Story perspectives
Russian Woman Fined for Sharing Rainbow Flag Images
9/30/2025
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Story summary
- Anastasia Melnikova of Cherkessk was fined 1,000 rubles for sharing rainbow flag images online, deemed symbols of an extremist organization.
- Melnikova pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, citing inactivity on her account.
- The case follows a November 2023 Supreme Court ruling classifying the international LGBTQ+ movement as extremist.
- Since January 2024, Russia intensified crackdowns, reporting a database to track LGBTQ+ citizens.
