Russia's anti-LGBT+ extremism laws claim first convictions

In November last year, the "international LGBT+" movement was labeled as extremist by Russian authorities. Consequently, the visibility of the queer community in Russia has been under scrutiny. Despite no clear specification of what behaviors are prohibited, the feasibility of LGBT+ activism in Russia has essentially vanished. Throughout the conflict in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has been propagating "traditional values". The President openly disseminates anti-LGBT+ propaganda.

The first convictions linked to what the Russian government entitled the "international social movement LGBT+" have been dispensed by the court. On 25th January, Artem P., from the southern Volgograd region, was ruled guilty of uploading a picture of an LGBT+ flag online. He was penalized with a 1000 rubles (equivalent to approximately £9) fine for "demonstrating symbols of an extremist organization." The Russian government reported that the man "accepted his guilt" and expressed regret, alleging he uploaded the image unwittingly.

Following this, on 29th January, a court in Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow, imprisoned a woman for five days because she wore earrings in the shape of a frog with a rainbow pattern. Aegis, a group of activists fighting for LGBT+ rights, publicized the incident on social media. They stated that the woman was summoned to the precinct after a man filmed her earrings and uploaded the footage online.

The rainbow flag is used as a symbol representing the queer community. The Russian law implemented in November last year prohibits the "display of symbols" of organizations deemed extremist by the government.

Source: "The Guardian"