A Russian nightclub owner has been sentenced to four years in prison after authorities accused her of organising what they describe as “extremist activity” linked to LGBTQ+ people.
On 23 March, a court in eastern Siberia sentenced 23-year-old entrepreneur Tatiana Zorina to serve time in a penal colony. The ruling was handed down by the Ingodinsky District Court in Chita.
Zorina’s conviction stems from a 2023 decision by the Russian Supreme Court, which labelled the so-called “International LGBT Movement” as an extremist organisation. The designation places it alongside more than 100 banned groups and allows authorities to prosecute individuals accused of involvement.
Under these laws, those deemed to be participating in such organisations can face up to 12 years in prison, while displaying related symbols can carry penalties ranging from short-term detention to multi-year sentences for repeat offences.
Arrest Following Nightclub Raid
Zorina was arrested in October 2024 after police raided her nightclub, Tochka — previously known as Jackson — alleging it was being used to “promote” LGBTQ+ identities.
Authorities argued that operating the venue constituted participation in extremist activity under the expanded legal framework.
Amnesty International Condemns Ruling
Human rights group Amnesty International has strongly criticised the conviction, describing it as part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ people in Russia.
“Tatiana Zorina’s sentencing is a stark illustration of how Russia’s abuse of ‘extremism’ legislation has spiralled into outright persecution targeting LGBTI people and their allies,” said Marie Struthers, the organisation’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director.
“Running a private venue intended as a space where LGBTI people can safely be themselves is not a crime. Denying this right is deplorable.”
Struthers called on Russian authorities to overturn the conviction and release Zorina, as well as repeal laws that classify LGBTQ+ expression and association as extremist.
“This homophobic witch-hunt must end now,” she said.
Wider Crackdown
The case is part of a growing number of prosecutions tied to Russia’s “extremism” laws.
Amnesty International reports that at least 23 criminal cases linked to LGBTQ+-related activity had been opened by the end of 2025.
One of the most controversial cases involved businessman Andrei Kotov, who was posthumously convicted of organising an extremist organisation over claims he operated a travel agency offering LGBTQ+ tours. He was arrested in 2024 and later died in custody, reportedly by suicide.
Ongoing Restrictions
Russia has introduced a series of laws targeting LGBTQ+ people in recent years, including bans on the “promotion” of so-called “non-traditional” relationships, as well as restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare and legal gender recognition.
Zorina’s sentencing highlights the intensifying legal and social pressures facing LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in the country.
