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A Russian court in St. Petersburg held Monday that the Russian LGBT Network is an “extremist organization,” followed by a nationwide ban on its activities. Amnesty International condemned the ruling as a misuse of anti-extremism legislation to target sexual minorities.
According to the group, the decision came after the Russian Ministry of Justice requested closed hearings. This is the sixth ruling within two months that a Russian court shut down an LGBTI group by labelling them as an “extremist organization.” This builds on a 2023 ruling from the Supreme Court of Russia that labelled the so-called “international LGBT movement” “extremist”, and expanded the state’s authority to prosecute LGBT individuals and their supporters. The group described the designation as part of a broader pattern of persecution against LGBT people in Russia.
The Russian LGBT Network operated for 15 years. The network aimed to assist sexual minorities in Russia or those who were forced to exiled. It also documented discrimination and engaged in public advocacy for the rights of sexual minorities. The extremist label now criminalizes any involvement with the group, which allows prison sentences of up to 10 years for participation. Its website now shows that the network is labelled as a “foreign agent.”
Authorities have increased enforcement since 2023 by targeting LGBT-related activity and expression. According to Amnesty, at least 23 criminal cases had been opened by the end of 2025. These cases involved online groups, private events, and digital communication. Amnesty also recorded arrests, fines, house arrest, and imprisonment against individuals. Some cases involve social media posts or participation in group chats. Others involve organizing private gatherings or events. Several activists have also been charged in absentia or forced into exile. Independent media and NGOs linked to LGBT issues have also been shut down or investigated.
Censorship has also expanded into cultural spaces. Authorities have targeted books, films, streaming platforms, and bookstores. Publishers and distributors have faced raids and penalties. In a related case, authorities detained a senior publishing executive during an investigation into the alleged distribution of LGBT literature.
The current crackdown reflects a longer shift in Russian policy. While the country decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, social stigma remains. Over time, the government promoted “traditional values” and introduced laws restricting LGBT expression. Advocacy groups continue to operate, often from outside Russia. Organizations such as Coming Out provide legal and psychological support remotely. They also assist individuals facing discrimination or violence.
In a 2025 Human Rights Watch report, the group highlighted the rising convictions of LGBT people. The group condemned Russia for its “flagrant violations” of its peoples’ right to free expression, association and non-discrimination. It also called on governments to ensure Russia fulfils its international human rights obligations, and protect those fleeing from Russia.
The post Russia court declares LGBT Network as ‘extremist’ amidst intensified crackdown appeared first on JURIST - News.
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According to the group, the decision came after the Russian Ministry of Justice requested closed hearings. This is the sixth ruling within two months that a Russian court shut down an LGBTI group by labelling them as an “extremist organization.” This builds on a 2023 ruling from the Supreme Court of Russia that labelled the so-called “international LGBT movement” “extremist”, and expanded the state’s authority to prosecute LGBT individuals and their supporters. The group described the designation as part of a broader pattern of persecution against LGBT people in Russia.
The Russian LGBT Network operated for 15 years. The network aimed to assist sexual minorities in Russia or those who were forced to exiled. It also documented discrimination and engaged in public advocacy for the rights of sexual minorities. The extremist label now criminalizes any involvement with the group, which allows prison sentences of up to 10 years for participation. Its website now shows that the network is labelled as a “foreign agent.”
Authorities have increased enforcement since 2023 by targeting LGBT-related activity and expression. According to Amnesty, at least 23 criminal cases had been opened by the end of 2025. These cases involved online groups, private events, and digital communication. Amnesty also recorded arrests, fines, house arrest, and imprisonment against individuals. Some cases involve social media posts or participation in group chats. Others involve organizing private gatherings or events. Several activists have also been charged in absentia or forced into exile. Independent media and NGOs linked to LGBT issues have also been shut down or investigated.
Censorship has also expanded into cultural spaces. Authorities have targeted books, films, streaming platforms, and bookstores. Publishers and distributors have faced raids and penalties. In a related case, authorities detained a senior publishing executive during an investigation into the alleged distribution of LGBT literature.
The current crackdown reflects a longer shift in Russian policy. While the country decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, social stigma remains. Over time, the government promoted “traditional values” and introduced laws restricting LGBT expression. Advocacy groups continue to operate, often from outside Russia. Organizations such as Coming Out provide legal and psychological support remotely. They also assist individuals facing discrimination or violence.
In a 2025 Human Rights Watch report, the group highlighted the rising convictions of LGBT people. The group condemned Russia for its “flagrant violations” of its peoples’ right to free expression, association and non-discrimination. It also called on governments to ensure Russia fulfils its international human rights obligations, and protect those fleeing from Russia.
The post Russia court declares LGBT Network as ‘extremist’ amidst intensified crackdown appeared first on JURIST - News.
Continue reading...
Note: We don't have any responsibilities about this news. Its been posted here by Feed Reader and we had no controls and checking on it. And because News posted here will be deleted automatically after 21 days, threads are closed so that no one spend time to post and discuss here. You can always check the source and discuss in their site.