First Sentences Under Russia’s ‘Extremist LGBT Movement’ Ban: Three Gay Bar Employees Get Up to Seven Years

A court in the Russian city of Orenburg has sentenced three employees of the Pose bar to prison in the first known case brought under Russia’s ban on the so-called 'extremist LGBT movement,' according to the court’s press service.

The bar’s art director, 23-year-old Alexander Klimov, received two years and three months; its administrator, 30-year-old Diana Kamilyanova, six years and three months; and its owner, 37-year-old Vyacheslav Khasanov, seven years. None of the three admitted guilt.

All three were charged with organizing and participating in the activities of an extremist organization under parts 1 and 2 of Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code. Investigators alleged that Kamilyanova filmed performances by drag artists, while Klimov held meetings with performers and “promoted LGBT relationships” on Telegram, the Russian Telegram news channel Ostorozhno Novosti reported.

At the time of their arrest, the court stated that Klimov and Kamilyanova, as people with “non-traditional sexual orientation,” together with others who “support the views and activities of the banned international public association LGBT,” ensured the club’s operation.

In March 2024, riot police from OMON raided the Pose bar in Orenburg. Russia’s Interior Ministry later said police had “shut down the activities of a nightclub where members of a movement banned in the Russian Federation had gathered.” Shortly after, the three employees were arrested and placed in pretrial detention. They were subsequently added to Russia’s list of extremists and terrorists.