Moscow Police Raid Bars, Arrest LGBTQ Travel Agency Director Amid Crackdown

Police in Moscow conducted raids on multiple bars early on November 30, 2024. They arrested the director of a gay travel agency for violating laws against “LGBT propaganda,” according to state media.

These raids marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s Supreme Court ruling that banned the “international LGBT movement.” This ruling has led to increased arrests and prosecutions of the LGBTQ community in Russia.

Russian security forces targeted at least three bars and nightclubs overnight to combat LGBT propaganda. Videos from the Arma nightclub showed club-goers sitting on the dance floor as riot police issued commands. Another video depicted people being led out of the Mono gay club with their hands above their heads as police vans were present.

The interior ministry reported raids at an unnamed nightclub on Skladochnaya Street for promoting the “banned LGBT movement,” which was identified by Interfax as “Inferno Night.”

Additionally, police arrested the 48-year-old director of “Men Travel.” He faces suspicion of organizing trips for gay men to Egypt for the New Year holidays, as reported by TASS.

The Kremlin has intensified conservative discourse since the start of its military actions in Ukraine nearly three years ago. This conflict is portrayed as a stand against Western values.

Rights groups claim that Russia is pursuing a severe crackdown on LGBTQ individuals. This crackdown includes arrests of gay bar owners and legal action against those promoting LGBTQ rights.