The case of Andrei Kotov, a Russian travel agent who died in custody in December, is set to go to trial. Kotov, arrested on suspicion of holding tours for queer people in late November 2023, was accused of participating and organising the activities of “radical communities” under laws banning the so-called “international LGBT movement” in Russia. BBC News Russia reported on the ongoing incident on Friday.
Kotov’s arrest comes after Russian authorities stepped up their crackdown on LGBTQ+ activities following the 2023 Supreme Court decision.International LGBT Movement. ” The law targets organizations or individuals suspected of promoting what the state considers as an “extremist” ideology related to LGBTQ+ rights.
Kotov, 40-year-old travel agency, Detained In late November, he held a boat trip on the Volga River and was accused of a tour to Egypt for queer Russians. These tours are reportedly seen by authorities as a threat to Russia’s constitutional order and national security. Despite the accusations, Kotov’s defense team led by lawyer Rathan Mannapova firmly denied the accusation, claiming that Kotov’s activities did not fall within the scope of extremism.
Violent arrests and deaths in detention
According to reports, Kotov received severe medical treatment by police during his arrest. Footage of a police attack at Kotov’s house in November showed that he was struggling to breathe as officers actively interrogated him. At a court hearing on December 2nd, Kotov explained his arrest, saying, “Around 15 people appeared in the middle of the night. I was beaten, punched my face and hit my legs.” These statements were reported by Russian news outlet media Zona.
The atrocities in his detention sparked concern among human rights groups. Kotov’s lawyer, Rathan Mannapova, emphasized that Kotov was deeply hurt by the arrest and the treatment he detained. Despite this, Kotov maintained his innocence and denied any charges against him during the court case.
Kotov died Within a month of his arrest, investigators declared that he had committed suicide immediately in his death. This claim sparked skepticism among Kotov’s family and supporters. He argues that his death could be the result of police abuse or abuse in custody.
but, Investigators argued Kotov’s death was a suicide, and the incident was initially scheduled to be shut down. Despite this, Kotov’s lawyer Mannapova told BBC News Russian in December that the investigation would proceed after Kotov’s parents demanded not to close the case. The decision raised hope among those seeking Kotov’s justice despite official claims of suicide.
Shocking fees and confusion
The charges against Kotov were shocking to many, including his defense team. In a statement to the BBC News Russian in January, Mannapova explained that Kotov was blind to the charges and that it was difficult to understand that he was being charged. “He never fully understands that he is being accused,” she said. “It was a complete shock for him.”
Kotov’s best friend Svetlana revealed that Kotov always considered himself a non-political person who doesn’t think Russia’s increasingly oppressive anti-LGBT law would have a direct effect on him. “We have been oppressed and persecuted all the time. We will survive. That’s not a big deal,” Svetlana recalled what Kotov said. His comments reflect a sense of resilience that many members of the Russian LGBTQ+ community feel that they are facing an escalation of discrimination.
However, Kotov appears to underestimate the scope of the government’s crackdown. Authorities accused him of allegedly organising an event that responded to LGBTQ+ Russians despite his lack of recognition that such activities could fall within the scope of newly implemented anti-toxicity laws. The investigation argued that Kotov’s boats traveled in Volga and his tour to Egypt for queer Russians was an act of organizing “communities” that were considered to threaten Russian values.
Impact on the Russian LGBTQ+ community
Kotov’s death and accusations against him come at a time when tensions in the Russian LGBTQ+ community have risen. Over the past few years, the Russian government has passed increasingly restrictive laws targeting LGBTQ+ rights and activism. The 2013 “Gay Promoting” Act banning the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights to minors was followed by further laws aimed at suppressing LGBTQ+ visibility and organisation.
LGBTQ+ rights activists and international human rights groups have condemned these measures and called them fundamental human rights violations. The death of Andrei Kotov in detention raised vigilance of the risks facing Russian people, who continue to support or organize events in the LGBTQ+ community despite the dangers.
The Russian government’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Many strange Russians now live in constant concern that they will be targeted by the authorities simply for being engaged in existing or activities that were once legal. Kotov’s case highlights the personal sacrifices of these policies and the increased risk to individuals, like him, involved in organizing spaces and events for strange people.
As the lawsuit against Kotov goes to trial, his supporters and human rights groups continue to monitor the situation. They are seeking a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death in custody and are demanding accountability from the authorities. The outcome of this lawsuit may have implications not only for the future of the Russian LGBTQ+ community, but also for the broader fight for domestic human rights.
The Russian government has yet to respond to international protests over Kotov’s death, but the incident is likely to attract continued attention as it unfolds. Human rights groups are urging both Russian authorities and the international community to oppose the growing persecution of Russian LGBTQ+ individuals and to ensure that justice is served in the wake of Kotov’s death.
Source: Gayety – gayety.co
