Russian police conducted raids on multiple bars in Moscow early Saturday, arresting the director of a travel agency catering to LGBTQ+ clients under laws prohibiting “LGBT propaganda,” according to state media reports.
The raids coincided with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s Supreme Court designating the “international LGBT movement” as extremist. This move has intensified arrests and prosecutions within the country’s marginalized LGBTQ+ community.
State-run TASS news agency reported that at least three bars and nightclubs were targeted overnight “as part of measures to combat LGBT propaganda.”
Footage shared on social media from the Arma nightclub (formerly Mutabor) showed patrons seated on the dancefloor while riot police issued orders. Another video depicted people being escorted out of the popular Mono gay club in central Moscow with their hands raised, as a police van waited outside.
Additionally, the Interior Ministry announced a raid on a nightclub located on Skladochnaya Street, accusing it of promoting the “ideology of the banned LGBT movement.” Interfax news agency identified the venue as Inferno Night, which authorities also accused of selling alcohol illegally.
The director of a travel agency specializing in services for gay men was also detained. Authorities allege the 48-year-old head of “Men Travel” was planning a New Year’s trip to Egypt for LGBTQ+ clients, which they framed as an attempt to promote “non-traditional sexual values.”
These actions reflect a broader conservative crackdown in Russia, which has intensified since the Kremlin launched its military campaign in Ukraine nearly three years ago. The government has increasingly framed the conflict as a cultural battle against Western values.
Rights groups report an escalating suppression of LGBTQ+ individuals, with arrests of LGBTQ+ bar owners and the prosecution of anyone linked to promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
