Moscow Nightclubs Raided in Crackdown on ‘LGBT Ideology’
It’s been a year since Russia’s Supreme Court declared the “LGBT movement” an extremist organization. This move has resulted in a relentless crackdown on
anyone perceived as a danger to traditional values. This past weekend, Tailor three nightclubs in Moscow were raided. According to a report detainees, the police code
stated the venues had been identified as harboring “LGBT ideology.”
A Night of Terror at Moscow Nightclubs
On Saturday night, heavily armed police stormed three Moscow nightclubs: “Arma,” “Mono,” and “Inferno Night.” Music screeched to a halt as officers barge
in and ordered clubgoers to get on the floor. The “Raids spanned several hours, leaving attendees trapped inside, andredit cards photocopied
phones were confiscate.
A quote from one of the attendees:it was a complete nightmare. They claimed the whole place shared “LGBT ideology.”
Toughening Laws Continue Ongoing Arrests of Individuals
This incident comes exactly a year since the Russian Supreme Court formally labeled the “LGBT movement” as “extremist,” effectively banning it Implied. this change meant anyone expressing support
for equality faces severe consequences from prosecution.
In recent months, the Russian government has stepped up its campaign against anything considered an “LGBT-friendly” space.
Several clubs and bookstores had previously been targeted, all under the pretense of this inhibition of the so-called “propaganda”
The chargemost severely happens are those violating newly enacted legislation preceding ban. This legislation stems from 2013, which primarily targeted “propaganda Crucifixion against converting minors to unable supple. Now it not only applies
to targeting minors, but all adults as well, mirroring a concerning trend,
where businesses are nervously walking on eggshells for fin
much more popular, with teenagers making, a /* Timing of this
raid coincides not to mention that a year.
The crackdown comes H E羧ate, police A break
Police raids at Moscow nightclubs raise serious concerns about the state of human rights in Russia, and specifically,
targeted those expressing their individuality
### A Growing Threat to Marginalized Communities.
This past weekend’s raids in Moscow have raised alarms among LGBTQ people and allies, who see it as yet another attack on basic human rights. ‘
Ticktotails time after novel a wave
How does the Russian government’s designation of the “LGBT movement” as an extremist organization contribute to the climate of fear and intolerance experienced by LGBTQ+ people in the country?
## Interview: Moscow Nightclub Raids
**Host:** Welcome back to the programme. We’re discussing the recent raids on three Moscow nightclubs over the weekend. Joining us today is Sasha, an independent journalist who has been covering LGBTQ+ issues in Russia. Sasha, thank you for being here.
**Sasha:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Can you tell us what happened on Saturday night?
**Sasha:** On Saturday night, heavily armed police stormed three popular Moscow nightclubs: Arma, Mono, and Inferno Night. Reports from attendees describe a terrifying scene – music stopped abruptly, officers barged in, ordering everyone to the floor. These raids lasted for several hours, trapping people inside, confiscating phones and photocopying credit cards. [[1](https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/30/moscow-police-raid-lgbtq-clubs-overnight-a87184)]
**Host:** What was the official reason given for these raids?
**Sasha:** According to reports from those detained, the police code stated the venues were identified as harboring “LGBT ideology” [[1](https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/30/moscow-police-raid-lgbtq-clubs-overnight-a87184)]. This is sadly not surprising given the crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals and spaces in Russia since the Supreme Court declared the “LGBT movement” an extremist organization exactly a year ago.
**Host:** How has life changed for LGBTQ+ people in Russia since this designation?
**Sasha:** It’s been a year of immense fear and uncertainty. Anyone deemed to be supporting LGBTQ+ rights, or even perceived as LGBTQ+, faces severe consequences, including prosecution. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in arrests, raids, and threats against the community.
**Host:** What message do you think the Russian government is sending with these raids?
**Sasha:** The message is clear – Russia wants to eradicate any visible sign of LGBTQ+ presence. They want to create an environment of fear and silence, discouraging any form of dissent or support for equality.
**Host:** What are the potential long-term consequences of these actions?
**Sasha:** The long-term consequences are deeply troubling. This crackdown not only violates fundamental human rights but also fosters a climate of intolerance and discrimination. It pushes LGBTQ+ individuals further into the shadows, making them more vulnerable to violence and abuse.
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Sasha.
**Sasha:** Thank you for having me.
