Andrei Kotov, a Russian man who organized travel tours for LGBTQ+ people, has died in pre-trial detention in Moscow, rights groups and Russian media said on Sunday.
In November 2023, Moscow added the “LGBT movement” to its list of banned extremist groups, a move that effectively outlawed LGBTQ+ activism. In January, a nightclub owner was arrested on charges of “extremism”.
Russia has stepped up its crackdown on dissent since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022.
What else do we know about Andrei Kotov?
Kotov, 40, was the director of travel agency Main Travel.
Last month he was accused of organizing and participating in “extremist” activities.
The OVD-Info rights group said Kotov was accused of creating an “extremist community” for profit and spreading “propaganda of an association recognized as an extremist organization and banned by the court.” [in Russia],
Authorities did not specify which “extremist” organization he was part of, according to the group.
The group said Kotov reported being beaten and attacked with a Taser during his arrest.
According to OVD-Info activists, investigators told Kotov’s lawyer Laysan Manapova that Kotov had committed suicide.
State news agency RIA Novosti also said Kotov died by suicide. It quoted a law enforcement official as saying that “incised wounds” were found on Kotov’s body.
Kotov accused of organizing LGBTQ tour
Russian news agencies and Telegram channels linked to law enforcement claimed Kotov was preparing a New Year tour of Egypt for LGTBQ+ people, independent news outlet Meduza reported.
He also said he organized an LGBTQ+ cruise on the Volga River in Russia.
Kotov denied the allegations, saying that the trips he organized were ordinary boat trips and fishing trips.
sdi/dj (AP, AFP)
