Russia has declared the “international LGBT movement” a terrorist organization. In doing so, the Russian authorities are increasing the oppression of sexual minorities in the country.
According to a note from Russia’s financial watchdog obtained by AFP on Friday, the “international LGBT movement” has been added to the list of extremist and terrorist figures.
Vague wording can lead to long prison sentences
The ‘international LGBT movement’ was already banned by the Russian Supreme Court at the end of 2023 for ‘extremism’, even though an organization with that name does not exist in Russia. This wording, although vague, paved the way for long prison sentences. The English abbreviation LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
Bar operator arrested for supporting LGBT people
On Wednesday, Russian authorities announced that they had taken into custody the owners of a bar in the Urals. They risk a prison sentence of ten years for LGBT ‘extremism’. According to the indictment, “during the investigation, it emerged that the suspects – persons with non-traditional sexual orientation – supported opinions and activities of the International LGBT Association, which is banned in our country.”
Further criminal cases in recent weeks
This is the first criminal case in this context. However, several Russians have been fined in recent weeks for, among other things, posting photos of rainbow flags on the internet. Two women have been convicted for sharing a video of them kissing each other.
Source: Krone
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