Russian Police Raid Bars and Nightclubs in Moscow
On November 30, police in Moscow conducted raids on several bars and nightclubs. This is part of the government’s ongoing effort to crack down on what it calls “LGBTQ+ propaganda.” Russian state media reported that officers were checking people’s documents and seizing their phones, laptops, and video cameras.
These raids happened around the time of Russia’s one-year anniversary of declaring the LGBTQ+ movement an “extremist organization.” This decision was made by Russia’s Supreme Court after years of trying to limit LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The government, led by President Vladimir Putin, has emphasized “traditional family values” as a key part of its policies.
Videos on social media showed police searching one nightclub and ordering people to lie down while they searched the venue. Another club, called Mono bar, was also targeted during the raids.
One person who runs a tour agency was arrested for planning a trip that might support LGBTQ+ values. The authorities said this was against Russian law.
These actions reflect fears from activists about what would happen when the government labeled the LGBTQ+ movement as “extremist.” This label doesn’t make it a formal organization, but it shows how far the government will go to enforce its ideas of what is traditional and right.
The raids are part of a broader effort by the government to limit LGBTQ+ rights. Recently, they passed laws that ban Russian children from being adopted by people in countries where gender transitioning is allowed. They also banned people from spreading information that might encourage people not to have children.
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