HUMAN RIGHTS IN RUSSIA
Transnational Immigration Alliance (TIA)
Washington, DC | Los Angeles, CA
A New Wave of Repression: How Russia is Targeting the LGBTQ+ Community
By Kirill Tsirkov
December 3, 2024
An ongoing campaign of repression against the LGBTQ+ community continues to rage in Putin’s Russia. TIA has received this information from Russian citizens.
Russia is experiencing a new wave of pressure against the LGBTQ+ community. Police raids, arrests, and accusations of extremism are not limited to nightclubs and public spaces but are now encroaching on private lives. Notably, this repressive campaign began exactly on the anniversary of the Russian government’s designation of the LGBTQ+ movement as an extremist organization.
Clubs as Targets of Intimidation
On November 30, 2024, police raided Moscow clubs such as Mutabor, Inferno Night, Sisters, and Bizarre. Officially, the raids were explained as measures to combat drug use and maintain public order. However, the authorities’ actions and tone of accusations indicate another goal: intimidation.
Mutabor: Visitors were forced to lie face down on the floor, searched, and 12 people were arrested under charges of “petty hooliganism.”
Sisters: Police detained one person with illegal substances but focused their attention on the alleged presence of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Bizarre: Costumes and BDSM props were enough to attract scrutiny, despite no legal violations being found.
These actions are part of a broader campaign aimed at suppressing freedoms and showcasing state power.
A Raid on a Party in St. Petersburg
The wave of repression also reached St. Petersburg, where security forces raided a party at the art space Yavlenie. According to local media reports, the event was suspected of being linked to the LGBTQ+ community. It remains unclear which agency conducted the raid, but outlets such as “78 | News” and “Mash on Moyka” simultaneously reported the incident. Both cited an anonymous source, claiming the reason for the raid was a closed LGBTQ+ party. According to the source, law enforcement was checking the legality of the event, identifying attendees, and determining if there were minors among them. The pro-government channel “Mash on Moyka” further added that “most attendees dressed provocatively.” Video footage showed attendees lying face down on the floor. The number of people detained remains unknown.
Suppression of Public Spaces
The raid on Yavlenie highlights a new level of state interference — even local art spaces, often considered safe havens for self-expression, are now under attack. Under the guise of fighting “illegal activities” and defending “traditional values,” authorities are creating an atmosphere of fear and distrust.
Regional Pressure: The Chelyabinsk Case
A similar scenario unfolded at the Edem nightclub in Chelyabinsk. Police stormed the venue, forcing men to lie on the floor while women were made to stand. Attendees were taken to the police station, where their fingerprints were collected, phones searched, and personal data recorded. Officially, the raid was justified as a check for drugs and compliance with alcohol regulations. However, no violations were found. Instead, detainees reported being humiliated with homophobic remarks and advised not to return to the club.
Criminal Prosecution: The Case of Andrey Kotov
Authorities accuse him of extremism, alleging that trips such as LGBTQ+ cruises on the Volga River or New Year tours to Egypt “promote LGBTQ+ values.” Kotov, however, insists that these were ordinary tourism activities unrelated to politics. It appears the fact that gay tourists attending the trips is the cause of arrest and prosecution. Mr. Kotov is currently being held in a detention center, where he has been denied access to medication, warm clothing, and vegetarian meals. Recently, he was placed in solitary confinement, where he cannot receive care packages or meet with his lawyer.
A New Level of Repression
These events are not isolated incidents. The police raids and criminal charges are part of a systematic campaign to suppress freedoms.
Intimidation and suppression of freedoms.
From nightclub raids to party crackdowns, authorities are demonstrating that any form of independence, especially linked to LGBTQ+ culture, is unacceptable.Encroachment on private life.
The pressure on LGBTQ+ people now extends beyond public spaces. Raids on venues where people expect privacy show that even behind closed doors, individuals are not safe.Erosion of trust.
By targeting cultural and social hubs, the state undermines trust and turns collective action into a risky endeavor.
Defending the Right to Be
Repression against the LGBTQ+ community in Russia continues, with each new case underscoring the government’s determination to silence those who dare to be themselves. From Moscow clubs to St. Petersburg art spaces, safe havens are disappearing.
However, resistance is growing alongside the pressure. Activists and allies continue to speak out, drawing attention to these injustices both domestically and internationally.
These events serve as a stark reminder that freedom requires vigilance and struggle. Even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found in solidarity, support, and the right to be heard.
