In the early hours between Friday night and Saturday morning, Russian police entered at least three clubs in Moscow. At the time, visitors were partying. According to state media, the raids were aimed at enforcing the ban on "LGBT+ propaganda."

This is not the first time underground gay clubs in Russia have faced police intervention. In October, similar raids occurred under the guise of a "drug control operation." The fact that the state news agency now confirms that unofficial LGBT+ clubs can expect police visits marks a new step in restricting the freedoms of LGBT+ individuals in Russia.

Social media videos show partygoers being ordered by police to lie on the ground, according to news agency AP. Authorities reportedly confiscated smartphones and required attendees to present their identification documents.

One of the clubs targeted by the raids posted on Telegram: "Friends, we’re so sorry that what happened, happened. They didn’t find anything forbidden. We live in such times, but life must go on."

The raids coincided with the one-year anniversary of Russia classifying the "international LGBT+ movement" as an extremist organisation. This list also includes groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. Since that classification, Russia has intensified pressure on LGBT+ individuals. In addition to numerous raids on underground gay clubs, other forms of expression have also become increasingly restricted. For instance, two female influencers were forced to apologise after sharing a kiss on social media. Additionally, a travel agency organising trips exclusively for men was subjected to a police investigation.