A case of repression in Cherkessk

A Russian court has fined a woman 1,000 rubles (around $12) for sharing rainbow flag images and other LGBTQ+ symbols on social media. The posts were published five years ago.

The case was heard in Cherkessk, Karachay-Cherkessia. Judges ruled that her content, including a photo of two women kissing, violated the country’s controversial anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda law. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, pleaded guilty. She expressed remorse and explained that she had not accessed the account in years.

Russia’s growing crackdown

Her case is part of a wider crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia. Since November 2023, the Supreme Court has labeled the so-called “international LGBTQ+ movement” as extremist. From January 2024, LGBTQ+ symbols, activism, and advocacy have been treated as extremist acts. This shift has led to censorship, arrests, fines, and even deaths in custody.

The repression is affecting every part of society. Queer clubs have been raided, with more than 50 partygoers detained. Educational platforms such as Duolingo were forced to remove inclusive content. Apple faced heavy fines, while children’s shows like My Little Pony were classified as adult content.

Even the Elton John AIDS Foundation was banned as “undesirable.” LGBTQ+ students have also faced expulsions from schools and universities.

What comes next

Reports from early 2025 suggest Russian authorities are developing a database to register LGBTQ+ citizens. This step underscores the systematic nature of repression and the risks the community faces. The case is another reminder of how fragile basic freedoms can become when hate is turned into law.