Russian police raid clubs in crackdown of LGBTQ+ "propaganda"

A number of clubs in Russia were raided last weekend in an effort to stamp out LGBTQ+ "propaganda".

Police raided three clubs, Arma, Inferno, and Mono, late Saturday and early Sunday.

“Videos and images of the raids shared on social media over the weekend showed stunned clubgoers lying on dance floors with their hands above their heads as police officers sifted through the crowds and shouted orders,” according to NBC.

Moscow court officials have said “These citizens committed an administrative offense, which was expressed in obvious disrespect for society, accompanied by obscene language in a public place.”

Violation of Russia’s law against LGBTQ+ “propaganda” comes with a fine of up to 400,000 rubles (3,763.20 Euro)

The director of a travel agency serving LGBTQ+ customers called Men Travel was one of those arrested, he was arrested for “preparing a trip for supporters of non-traditional sexual values".

A year ago, the Russian Supreme Court granted a request from the country’s Ministry of Justice to label the “international LGBT social movement” as “extremist” and outlaw any movement activities.

The Russian government has ramped up anti-LGBTQ+ activity since they invaded Ukraine in 2022, claiming Russia is making war on Western values.