Amnesty International condemns Russia’s extremist labeling of LGBTI groups

International

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Amnesty International has condemned a ruling by the St. Petersburg City Court designating the Russian LGBT Network an “extremist organisation,” warning that the decision deepens state‑led persecution of LGBTI people in Russia.

The rights group noted this is the third such ruling within a month, following similar designations against Coming Out and the LGBT Resource Centre in March. The Russian government had already labelled the so‑called “international LGBT movement” as “extremist” in 2023, a move Amnesty says entrenched systemic discrimination.

In a statement, Amnesty urged Russian authorities to immediately stop misusing anti‑extremism legislation to repress LGBTI people, reverse homophobic policies, and guarantee rights in line with international human rights law.

The group further called for the abolition of discriminatory legislation and stressed that the rulings represent a dangerous escalation in Russia’s campaign against sexual minorities.