The Russian government unleashed a new wave of repression against LGBTQ+ people on Wednesday, 14 May after law enforcement authorities searched the offices of Russia’s largest book publisher and arrested several employees over alleged LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and “extremism”. According to a state-run new
The Russian government unleashed a new wave of repression against LGBTQ+ people on Wednesday, 14 May after law enforcement authorities searched the offices of Russia’s largest book publisher and arrested several employees over alleged LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and “extremism”.
According to a state-run news agency, 11 employees of Eksmo Publishing House were arrested. Three have been charged with distributing “LGBT propaganda” and engaging in “extremist” activities.
Among those arrested is Anatoly Norovyatkin, distribution director at Eksmo, as well as individuals connected to imprints Popcorn Books, which publishes LGBTQ+ inclusive young adult fiction, and Individuum, which focuses on non-fiction titles.
Individuum issued a statement confirming investigative actions against its staff, though it said information remains “limited.”
“What we know: security forces visited the addresses of several of our colleagues — not only their homes, as reported in the media. The operation was targeted. Our colleagues are currently being questioned as witnesses. We do not know who will be charged or for what, nor who will become suspects.”
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the authorities have stepped up reactive measures, particularly against transgender people. On 24 July 2023, President Putin signed into law a bill banning gender-affirming care in Russia.
On 30 November 2023, the Supreme Court ruled the international LGBTQ movement to be “extremist”, outlawing it in the country. The next day, Russian security forces raided bars, male saunas and nightclubs across Moscow.
