Moscow has witnessed a series of police operations targeting several bars and nightclubs as part of the government’s intensified measures against “LGBTQ+ propaganda,” as reported by local state media.

Authorities reportedly confiscated various electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and video cameras. In conjunction with these seizures, law enforcement officials also reviewed the identification documents of patrons in these venues, according to information from Russia’s Tass news agency.
These police actions coincide with the one-year anniversary of a significant ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court, which declared the “LGBTQ+ movement” as an “extremist organization.”
This ruling marked another step in a prolonged crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights throughout the country, where President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of “traditional family values” during his lengthy tenure of over two decades.
Videos circulating on social media demonstrated police officers instructing party attendees at the Arma nightclub in Moscow to lie on the ground as they conducted their search.
Additionally, the Mono bar in Moscow was also reported to be involved in these enforcement actions. The management of the establishment released a statement on Telegram, expressing regret over the situation without specifically mentioning the police activity. They noted, “Friends, we’re so sorry that what happened, happened. They didn’t find anything forbidden. We live in such times, but life must go on.”
Furthermore, during these raids, law enforcement apprehended the head of the “Men Travel” tour agency for alleged violations of anti-LGBT laws. Reports indicate that the individual, aged 48, was under suspicion for organizing a trip intended for “supporters of nontraditional sexual values” to Egypt during the upcoming Russian New Year’s holidays.
These recent events reflect the apprehensions voiced by Russian activists regarding the potential implications of labeling the “LGBTQ+ movement” as “extremist,” a designation that may lead authorities to impose restrictions on individuals and groups without a formal organization.
In addition to these policing efforts, other recent legislation has placed added pressure on those perceived by the Russian government as conflicting with the established “traditional values.”
On November 23, President Putin enacted a law prohibiting the adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender-affirming healthcare is permitted. Furthermore, legislation was passed that criminalizes the distribution of messages encouraging people not to have children.