LGBQT+ Community Fears Intensify After Russian Supreme Court Bans 'International Movement'
The recent ruling by the Russian Supreme Court has sparked renewed concerns for the LGBQT+ community in Russia. The Court declared an international LGBQT+ movement as an 'extremist' organization, leading to increased suppression this past year. President Vladimir Putin has been trying to solidify his image as a guardian of traditional moral values, clashing with liberalism.
On Thursday, micro-insurgent raids took place in at least three entertainment venues, according to Telegram and Ostorozhno Novosti, two independent Russian news outlets. The strikes occurred in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The police claimed they were conducting a routine drug raid at the venues. Additionally, footage emerged of security personnel photographing partygoers' passports at these locations. Witnesses reported that police officers entered the venues under the pretext of drug control, halted the music, and began entering the hall.
A Club's Testimony
Alarming tales also surfaced from customers at the Secret Club and Mono Bar in Moscow and popular Pop-up Hunter Party in St. Petersburg. Videos and personal accounts revealed their experiences during the raids, with one witness recounting, "I was right there. Honestly, when the music stopped, and they said there was a police raid... I really thought that was it. I'm only 12 years old." The witness continued, revealing that their passport was photographed when they were parading nude but clothed for their friends to provide them clothes.
There have also been reports of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and human rights infringements connected to these raids.
Though some club owners, like Central Station Club in St. Petersburg, have officially closed citing new laws, others claim their venues were merely targeted for spontaneous parties. For example, Alexey Khoroshy, Mono Club's popular manager, denied raids occurred in his club, insisting that only spontaneous parties in St. Petersburg were searched.
Recent crisis in the regime
The new wave of suppression has given rise to fresh concerns about the human rights situation in Russia and the freedom of expression for the LGBTQ+ community. Putin has signed multiple laws targeting the community this year, imposing stricter regulations equivalent to that of a 2013 law forbidding the dissemination of information concerning LGBTQ+ matters to minors.
It's important to note that Putin announced his support for these anti-LGBTQ+ regulations within days of strict new 'Foreign Agent Laws.' The Kremlin's military campaign in Ukraine had faltered and was met with harsh measures against freedom of speech and human rights.
The new regulations indicate a broadening of the 2013 law, with the ban on LGBTQ+-related information extended to adults as well. The new law makes it illegal to promote LGBTQ+ relationships or to suggest that various sexual orientations are normal in any capacity.
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