Two bar workers in Russia become first people charged under anti-LGBTQ+ law

Pair are accused of roles in ‘extremist organisation’ and could face up to 10 years in prison

A Russian court has ordered two bar workers to be placed in custody, accusing them of roles in an “extremist organisation”, under new legislation criminalising the LGBTQ+ community.

It is the first criminal case of its kind since Russia banned the so-called “international LGBT movement” in November.

“The court chose a preventive measure for the art director and administrator of the Pose bar,” the Orenburg tribunal said. They will remain in custody until 18 May and could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to the court.

The tribunal earlier accused the two suspects of “promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the visitors of the bar”.