Russian police raided bars and nightclubs in Moscow on Saturday as part of a crackdown on “LGBTQ+ propaganda.” Officers inspected clubgoers’ documents and seized smartphones, laptops, and video cameras, according to state media outlet Tass.
The raids coincided with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s Supreme Court designating the “LGBTQ+ movement” as an “extremist organisation.” This ruling marked an escalation in the decades-long suppression of LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin, who promotes “traditional family values.”
Footage on social media showed police ordering patrons at Moscow’s Arma nightclub to lie on the floor during the raid. The Mono bar was also targeted. Mono’s management later addressed the incident on Telegram, saying, “We’re sorry this happened. They didn’t find anything forbidden. We live in such times, but life must go on.”
Broader Crackdown Reflects Government’s “Traditional Values” Agenda
Police also detained the head of the “Men Travel” tour agency on Saturday under anti-LGBTQ laws. Authorities accused the 48-year-old of organizing a trip for individuals supporting “non-traditional sexual values” to Egypt for New Year’s holidays.
Activists have warned that labeling the “LGBTQ+ movement” as “extremist” gives authorities broad powers to target groups and individuals. The raids reflect ongoing efforts by the government to enforce its “traditional values” agenda.
On November 23, Putin signed a law banning the adoption of Russian children by citizens from countries permitting gender-affirming care. He also approved legislation outlawing material encouraging people not to have children, further tightening restrictions tied to state-defined moral norms.