Police raids on Moscow gay clubs: highlights

◾️On the night of December 1-2, police raided at least four gay clubs in Moscow. Police burst into to an LGBT party on Yakimanka Street, where there were about 300 attendees at the time. The attendees' documents were checked, their passports were photographed without permission, and they were then released. The Telegram channel "Beware, Moscow" reported the arrests. The reason (or pretext) was a drug search.

Police also raided a sauna near the Polyanka metro station, forcing patrons to the floor and searching them for drugs. Raids were also reported at two other gay clubs, although management managed to warn patrons of the impending police visit.  

"It was a regular party, and the owner came out and said that police would be arriving within an hour due to a recent law. Within 20 minutes, the dance floor began to empty," an eyewitness told the Telegram channel "Ostorozhno Novosti." 

◾️Also announced its closure St. Petersburg The gay club "Central Station" announced in their VKontakte group that "due to a new law," they are unable to rent a venue and are closing down.

◾️The raids take place two days after recognition "extremist" "LGBT Movement".

Video: Watch Out, Moscow