Attacks on Publishers over “LGBT Propaganda” Law in Russia
Russia continues to witness arrests of employees from major publishing houses under the expanded “LGBT propaganda” law. In May 2025, the distribution director and around ten staff members from the prominent publishing house Eksmo were detained on charges of “extremism.” The detentions are linked to the publication and distribution of books that authorities claim contain “LGBT propaganda.”
Earlier, in April 2025, staff at another major publisher, AST, also faced similar accusations and were detained for publishing works allegedly violating the law. These developments follow the adoption of legislative amendments in 2023 that significantly restricted freedom of expression and dissemination of information related to LGBTQ+ issues in Russia.
The books cited in these cases include titles deemed in violation of the law due to their LGBTQ+ themes. Following the detentions, law enforcement officers conducted searches at both Eksmo and AST offices, seizing publications that allegedly promote “non-traditional sexual relations.”
These actions are part of the wider enforcement of the updated “LGBT propaganda” legislation, which has tightened state control over LGBTQ+-related content in cultural, educational, and media spheres. Human rights defenders and cultural figures have voiced deep concern over the escalating censorship and increasing repression of free speech and creative expression, especially as searches and seizures of books become more common.
Earlier, in April 2025, staff at another major publisher, AST, also faced similar accusations and were detained for publishing works allegedly violating the law. These developments follow the adoption of legislative amendments in 2023 that significantly restricted freedom of expression and dissemination of information related to LGBTQ+ issues in Russia.
The books cited in these cases include titles deemed in violation of the law due to their LGBTQ+ themes. Following the detentions, law enforcement officers conducted searches at both Eksmo and AST offices, seizing publications that allegedly promote “non-traditional sexual relations.”
These actions are part of the wider enforcement of the updated “LGBT propaganda” legislation, which has tightened state control over LGBTQ+-related content in cultural, educational, and media spheres. Human rights defenders and cultural figures have voiced deep concern over the escalating censorship and increasing repression of free speech and creative expression, especially as searches and seizures of books become more common.