Russian police raided the top publishing house Eksmo, seizing thousands of books and questioning its chief executive on suspicion of disseminating “homosexual propaganda”. The raid is part of Moscow’s shift towards hardline social conservatism, with repressive laws cracking down on political life and aggressive foreign policy. Eksmo is accused of promoting “gay propaganda” through its publications, particularly those featuring LGBT themes, leading to a criminal case on extremism.
Why It Matters
The raid on Eksmo reflects Russia’s intensified crackdown on LGBTQ rights and freedom of expression, with strict laws banning publications that depict same-sex relationships. This move towards ultraconservatism has escalated since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leading to increased persecution of LGBTQ individuals and activists. Russia’s ranking as one of the least tolerant European countries towards LGBTQ people underscores the significance of this ongoing repression.
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