A Moscow court has convicted Andrei Kotov, the founder of the Men Travel agency, of organizing LGBTQ+ tours. The verdict came a year after Kotov’s death by suicide in police custody in late December 2024. This case has sparked significant debate regarding the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia.<\/p>
The Men Travel agency was known for organizing tours that included LGBTQ+ themes, which has drawn criticism from authorities. State investigators initially claimed that Kotov died by suicide in late December 2024. The court’s decision underscores the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ advocates in Russia.<\/p>
Kotov’s case has raised concerns about the treatment of individuals in police custody, especially those associated with groups perceived as subversive. The ruling has added to the growing tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, with many activists calling for greater protections and legal reforms.<\/p>