Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
Police raid Moscow gay bars after a Supreme Court ruling labelled LGBTQ+ movement 'extremist'
euronews.comRussian security forces have raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow, less than 48 hours after the country’s top court banned what it called the “global LGBTQ+ movement” as an ‘extremist’ organisation.
Police searched venues across the Russian capital, including a nightclub, a male sauna and a bar that hosted LGBTQ+ parties, under the pretext of a drug raid, local media reported.Eyewitnesses told journalists that clubgoers’ documents were checked and photographed by the security services.
They also said that managers had been able to warn patrons before police arrived.The raids follow a decision by Russia’s Supreme Court to label the country’s LGBTQ+ “movement” as an extremist organisation.The ruling, which was made in response to a lawsuit filed by the Justice Ministry, is the latest step in a decades-long crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin, who has emphasised “traditional family values” during his 24 years in power.Activists have noted the lawsuit was lodged against a movement that is not an official entity, and that under its broad and vague definition authorities could crack down on any individuals or groups deemed to be part of it.Several LGBTQ+ venues have already closed following the decision, including St.
