Summary
Russian police raided several Moscow nightclubs, including LGBTQ+ venues Mono and Arma, under anti-“LGBT propaganda” laws, confiscating devices and detaining individuals, including a travel agency director accused of organizing a trip for LGBTQ+ clients.
The raids coincide with the one-year anniversary of Russia outlawing the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist organization, part of President Vladimir Putin’s broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.
Framed as defending “traditional family values,” these measures reflect escalating repression amid Russia’s conservative shift since its war in Ukraine began.
What do we do? I’m concerned you’re correct, but not sure what to do about it. Getting armed etc is all reactionary, how do we create a place where people can express themselves without impinging the rights of others… It’s crazy that we thought it was the US, but what a joke it’s playing out to be.