Andrei Kotov, known for organizing travel tours for LGBTQ+ individuals, died in custody amid a crackdown on LGBTQ+ activism in Russia, highlighting growing repression.
The OVD-Info rights group reported that Kotov was charged with organizing 'extremist' activities and accused of creating a profit-driven extremist community, though no details on the group were provided.
After being arrested, Kotov alleged he was beaten and tased, raising concerns about the treatment of detainees in Russia. Investigators claimed he committed suicide while in custody.
Russian authorities have increasingly targeted LGBTQ+ activists, formally banning the LGBT movement as an extremist group, which fuels fears about the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia.
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