Russian police raid Moscow nightclubs over 'LGBT propaganda'

Summary

Russian police raided several Moscow nightclubs, including LGBTQ+ venues Mono and Arma, under anti-“LGBT propaganda” laws, confiscating devices and detaining individuals, including a travel agency director accused of organizing a trip for LGBTQ+ clients.

The raids coincide with the one-year anniversary of Russia outlawing the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist organization, part of President Vladimir Putin’s broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.

Framed as defending “traditional family values,” these measures reflect escalating repression amid Russia’s conservative shift since its war in Ukraine began.