Apple has been fined over 10 million rubles ($130,000) by a Moscow court for engaging in what Russia defines as "extremist 'LGBT propaganda.'" This follows a stricter enforcement of laws that expanded a previous ban on LGBT content. The legal proceedings were held in private at Apple's request, leaving details about the specific content unclarified. Apple has faced multiple charges linked to the promotion of LGBT information while refusing to comply with local censorship demands, amidst a broader national crackdown on LGBTQ+ representation and rights.
Judge Alexandra Anokhina presided over the hearing on Monday. The proceedings took place behind closed doors at Apple's request, so it was unclear what content instigated the cases against them.
Apple faced a total of four charges at the opening of the hearing. Three charges related to 'LGBT propaganda,' for which Apple was fined 2.5 million rubles per count.
In 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill expanding a ban on what it calls 'LGBT propaganda,' outlawing the promotion of marriage equality.
In 2023, the Russian Supreme Court granted a petition to label the 'international LGBT social movement' as 'extremist' and ban its activities, advocacy, and support within the country.
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