A Russian court has sentenced Popcorn Books publisher Dmitry Protopopov to a four-year suspended prison term for distributing books containing LGBT-related content, marking the latest move in Moscow’s widening crackdown on material restricted under its expanding laws.
Protopopov was also fined 8.7 million roubles, about $105,000, after being convicted under Russia’s laws targeting LGBT-related expression. According to state news agency TASS, he admitted guilt and apologised to the court and the public during the proceedings.
The case comes as Russian authorities continue to tighten controls over content they classify as promoting LGBT issues, placing publishers, entertainment platforms and online services under increasing scrutiny.
Moscow has defended the restrictions as a measure to protect traditional values against what it describes as Western influence. In recent years, Russian authorities have expanded legislation targeting LGBT-related advocacy, content and organisations.
In 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court designated the so-called “international LGBT movement” as extremist, exposing individuals and groups accused of supporting it to potential criminal prosecution.
Since then, private companies, including book publishers, music platforms and online film distributors, have faced fines and other penalties for hosting content deemed to violate the country’s regulations on LGBT issues.
Goodness Anunobi
