In Orenburg, the first sentence in Russia was handed down in a case over participation in the “LGBT movement.” Bar staff got up to 7 years

In Orenburg, the first sentence in Russia was handed down in a case over participation in the “LGBT movement.” Bar staff got up to 7 years

Three employees of the Pose bar were found guilty of organizing and participating in the activities of an “extremist organization.” Here are the sentences they received:

🟠 Owner Vyacheslav Khasanov (37 years old) — 7 years in a penal colony

🟠 Administrator Diana Kamilyanova (30 years old) — 6 years and 3 months in a penal colony

🟠 Art director Alexander Klimov (23 years old) — 2 years and 3 months in a penal colony

All three were also banned from working in the entertainment and food service sectors for terms ranging from 2 to 3 years. More than one million rubles in income was recovered from the owner.

This is the first case of its kind since the Supreme Court declared the “LGBT movement” extremist in November 2023.

▶️ How the case arose

In March 2024, the bar was hit by a major raid after a tip-off from a local nationalist organization. Security forces filmed the visitors, and the photos and videos spread through right-wing and Z channels. Equipment and “bags with women’s clothing and wigs” were seized from the bar. A criminal case was opened soon afterward.

According to the investigation, the administrator filmed performances by drag artists, while the art director held meetings with them and “promoted LGBT relationships” on Telegram. In court, it was noted that all three were “persons of non-traditional sexual orientation.” All hearings were held behind closed doors.

🔗 We explained how not to end up in prison for extremism in this guide.

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Court hearing / Photo: ASTRA