Russia Initiates First Criminal Case Under New LGBTQ 'Extremism' Law

Two individuals associated with a gay club have been arrested in a landmark case marking an escalation in Russia's crackdown on LGBTQ rights.

A Russian court has ordered the arrest of a bar administrator and its art director, marking the first criminal case under new legislation criminalizing LGBTQ 'extremism'.
The accused face up to 10 years in prison for allegedly promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the visitors of the 'Pose' bar.
The arrests follow a Supreme Court ruling deeming the 'international LGBT movement' as 'extremist', allowing for broad prosecution of LGBTQ individuals and supporters.
Russian authorities have intensified conservative rhetoric and actions against the LGBTQ community, with recent laws banning gender-affirming care and changing gender markers.
International human rights organizations have condemned the arrests and the broader crackdown, calling for an immediate stop to the persecution of LGBTQ individuals in Russia.