LGBTQ+ people in danger

Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.

• What is punished: public display of symbols — a fine or up to 15 days' arrest (20.3 CAO); 'participation in an extremist organisation' — up to 6 years (282.2 CC); organising and financing — more.
• Human rights groups advise removing rainbow symbols from public profiles, making accounts private, leaving VK, not reposting initiatives and not sending them money from your own cards.
• Be careful with dates: set-ups via apps and raids on clubs are known. Before a party, keep a lawyer's number on paper and agree who to alert if you're detained.
• If detained: invoke art. 51 of the Constitution, ask for a lawyer, don't unlock your phone. In the North Caucasus, if threatened by family or police, contact SK SOS urgently.
• Where to turn: Sphere, SK SOS; abroad — Quarteera. Psychological support: Sphere, First Line.

current as of September 25. More: First Department: staying safe as an LGBT person (foreign agent); First Department: going to an LGBT party (foreign agent); OVD-Info: raids on clubs and bars (extremist)

Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.

• A typical scheme: relatives report a 'theft' or 'disappearance', and police elsewhere detain the woman and hand her back. Rights groups advise recording a video saying you leave voluntarily and giving it to someone you trust.
• There is no safe place inside Russia, so evacuations usually go abroad, often via Armenia. Use a new SIM card and new accounts, and no geotags.
• NC SOS was designated 'extremist' in Russia in 2026, but the group says asking it for help does not count as taking part in its activities.
• Where to turn: NC SOS (@sksos_helpbot) for LGBTQ+ people and women; Marem (@MaremGroup_bot) for women fleeing violence.

current as of September 25. More: Meduza: NC SOS designated 'extremist' (undesirable); Novaya Gazeta Europe: the case of Seda Suleimanova (undesirable)