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Russia Pushes for Designation of “Extremist” Status for LGBT Movement

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Russia’s Ministry of Justice has officially requested the Supreme Court to classify the “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, leaving the scope of this classification ambiguous – whether it targets the entire LGBT community or specific organizations within it. The ministry contends that the movement has engaged in what it deems as extremist activities, including the incitement of “social and religious strife.” If approved, this move could expose LGBT activists to criminal prosecution, following the pattern of the Russian government’s use of the “extremist” label against rights groups and opposition entities in the past.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the motion on November 30, potentially leading to a ban that would significantly impede the operations of LGBT organizations and put activists at serious legal risk. Critics view this as a potential populist maneuver, strategically timed to gain support ahead of an upcoming presidential election, where Vladimir Putin is widely anticipated to run for a fifth term. Under Putin’s leadership, Russia has intensified its crackdown on LGBT activism, framing it as an attack on “traditional Russian values.” This crackdown notably escalated after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Recent legislative measures further demonstrate this trend, with a December law expanding the prohibition of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to all age groups, equating positive depictions of same-sex relationships with activities like distributing pornography or promoting violence. In July, additional legislation banned gender reassignment surgery, exacerbating concerns about transgender rights in the country. Despite official claims that “non-traditional sexual relations” are not banned in Russia, this latest move deepens existing concerns within the already vulnerable LGBT community.

The LGBT community in Russia faces dual pressures from both the state and homophobic/transphobic groups, often resulting in physical attacks against activists. Dilya Gafurova, the head of an LGBT charity who has left Russia, highlighted that the authorities aim not only to erase the community from the public sphere but also to formally ban it as a social group. Despite these challenges, Gafurova affirmed the community’s determination to continue the fight for their rights and visibility.

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Sweden gangs: PM summons army chief after surge in killings

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Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has taken unprecedented steps to address a concerning surge in gang-related violence by summoning the head of the armed forces, Micael Byden, for assistance. The two leaders, along with the country’s police chief, are set to meet to discuss the potential role of the military in combating the escalating issue.

In a rare televised address, Prime Minister Kristersson expressed his determination to tackle the gang problem head-on, stating, “We will hunt the gangs down, and we will defeat them.” The move to involve the military comes in the wake of a particularly bloody 12-hour period, during which two men were shot dead in Stockholm, and a 25-year-old woman lost her life in an explosion in a town north of the capital.

While the exact nature of the military’s involvement remains uncertain, previous discussions have suggested that soldiers might take over certain policing duties to free up resources for law enforcement agencies to focus on crime-fighting. Critics, however, argue that these measures address the symptoms rather than the root causes of the violence.

Over the course of this month, Sweden has witnessed 12 fatalities in gang-related violence, the highest number since December 2019. The recent surge is believed to be linked to conflicts within a gang known as the Foxtrot network, which has splintered into rival factions due to infighting.

Prime Minister Kristersson emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that “no other country in Europe” is currently facing a similar crisis. He expressed concern that violence is increasingly ensnaring children and innocent bystanders across the country.

Efforts to address gang violence have included more surveillance, stricter penalties for gun law violations, enhanced deportation powers, and the establishment of stop-and-search zones. The prime minister’s government has sought inspiration from New York City’s strategies, yet some community organizers argue that these measures fall short of addressing the underlying social issues. They advocate for more action on child poverty and increased resources for youth clubs, community services, and sports centers to address the grief and pain experienced by those affected by the violence.

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