Moscow police conducted raids on two prominent gay clubs last weekend, leading to the arrest of over 50 people, according to reports from pro-Russian Telegram channels MSK1 and SHOT, as cited by Novaya Gazeta newspaper.
One of the targeted venues was Central Station, a well-established gay club in central Moscow. Police reportedly carried out the operation to “combat drug trafficking”.
Disturbing videos from the scene show police forcing patrons to lie on the ground with their hands behind their heads or stand against the wall while being searched.
The raid coincided with International Coming Out Day on October 11, which was being observed at the club. Police arrived around 1 am, with approximately 200 people present at the time.
On the same night, another popular LGBTQ+ club, Three Monkeys, also in central Moscow, was raided. According to SHOT, complaints are said to have instigated the raids, with speculation that the clubs may be shut down for allegedly “discrediting the Russian army”.
Both venues share the same owner and are described by Novaya Gazeta as the two most popular LGBTQ+ clubs in Moscow. Central Station has previously faced harassment, including a forced closure in 2014 following violent attacks sparked by Russia’s first wave of anti-gay laws.
More recently, its sister restaurant in St. Petersburg was compelled to close last year after Russia’s Supreme Court labelled “the international LGBTQ movement” as “extremist”.
These latest raids highlight the ongoing persecution and harassment faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia, with authorities using various pretexts to target and shut down safe spaces for the community.
The international LGBTQ+ community has condemned these actions, calling for greater protection and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in Russia.
Last Updated on Oct 24, 2024
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