Mass raids on LGBTQ+ clubs continue in Russia
Raid at the Pose club — in the center of the photo, a patch reading “Russian Community Orenburg” can be seen on the shoulder of one of the raiders / The Insider
Since the designation of the LGBTQ+ "international movement" as an extremist organization by Russia's Supreme Court in November 2023, at least 51 raids have been carried out across the country targeting venues associated with the LGBTQ+ community. This is according to the human rights group "Vykhod," which monitors regional developments. The outlet "Current Time" conducted an additional investigation into some of the most well-known cases.
These operations involve inspections of nightclubs, bars, concert venues, and other spaces where LGBTQ+ people gather or where open parties are held. Most often, the raids are justified by alleged drug offenses or violations of migration laws, but in practice, police actively record the identities of attendees, film the premises, and check documents.
According to DW, even the mention of LGBTQ+ topics on event posters can now serve as grounds for police intervention. Organizers and venue owners are under pressure—often being forced to cancel events—and the venues themselves face the risk of administrative or criminal prosecution.
One of the most legally troubling incidents remains the raid on the Moscow club "Three Monkeys" in May 2024, during which surveillance cameras were turned off, guests were lined up in the hallway, phones were searched, and several people were detained. Court proceedings related to that raid are still ongoing, and the club owner faces a prison sentence. Read more at DW.
These operations involve inspections of nightclubs, bars, concert venues, and other spaces where LGBTQ+ people gather or where open parties are held. Most often, the raids are justified by alleged drug offenses or violations of migration laws, but in practice, police actively record the identities of attendees, film the premises, and check documents.
According to DW, even the mention of LGBTQ+ topics on event posters can now serve as grounds for police intervention. Organizers and venue owners are under pressure—often being forced to cancel events—and the venues themselves face the risk of administrative or criminal prosecution.
One of the most legally troubling incidents remains the raid on the Moscow club "Three Monkeys" in May 2024, during which surveillance cameras were turned off, guests were lined up in the hallway, phones were searched, and several people were detained. Court proceedings related to that raid are still ongoing, and the club owner faces a prison sentence. Read more at DW.