Yekaterinburg to shut down LGBT club subjected to security forces raid

The LGBT club Fame in Yekaterinburg will continue its activities until the end of autumn before closing down, as per the statement published on the establishment’s social media on July 12.

"The format of our events and the concept of the club itself have proven non-viable. We are very sorry, but despite our sadness, we are glad to have had you as our customers. Now, we will become a part of history," wrote the club’s representatives.

Fame has repeatedly drawn the attention of security forces. In 2022, a drag artist performed Russia's national anthem while holding the LGBT flag. The court fined him 2,000 rubles for improper use of state symbols.

In 2023, the club was raided by the police and riot police. They checked the documents of 100 visitors and copied their personal data. Security forces denied that their visit was prompted by the recognition of the LGBT movement as extremist, instead claiming to have found unlabeled alcohol in the club.

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