Russian Travel Agent Accused of LGBTQ+ Extremism Found Dead in Custody

Andrei Kotov, arrested under Russia's anti-LGBTQ+ laws, reportedly died by suicide following allegations of abuse during detention.

Andrei Kotov, director of Men Travel, was arrested in November 2024 for allegedly organizing LGBTQ+ travel tours, which authorities labeled as 'extremist activities.'
Kotov's death, reported as a suicide, occurred in Moscow's Vodnik pretrial detention center, with sources indicating his body bore visible cuts.
Kotov had previously testified in court that he was beaten and electrocuted during his arrest, despite offering no resistance.
The arrest follows Russia's escalating crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, including the 2023 designation of the 'international LGBT movement' as an extremist organization.
Rights groups have called for an investigation, citing worsening conditions for LGBTQ+ individuals under President Vladimir Putin's policies promoting 'traditional values.'