Story perspectives

Russia raids publishers, brands Memorial extremist, UN condemns

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russia’s Investigative Committee raided Eksko publishing house in Moscow, detaining staff after a criminal probe accused it of “LGBTQ propaganda” for publishing the novel “Summer in a Pioneer Tie.”
Police simultaneously raided Novaya Gazeta, questioning several journalists and pushing the online-only outlet further toward marginalization.
Russia’s Supreme Court labeled the human-rights group Memorial extremist, a decision UN human-rights chief Volker Türk condemned as criminalizing critical work.

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Story summary

Russia’s Investigative Committee raided Eksko publishing house in Moscow, detaining staff after a criminal probe accused it of “LGBTQ propaganda” for publishing the novel “Summer in a Pioneer Tie.”
Police simultaneously raided Novaya Gazeta, questioning several journalists and pushing the online-only outlet further toward marginalization.
Russia’s Supreme Court labeled the human-rights group Memorial extremist, a decision UN human-rights chief Volker Türk condemned as criminalizing critical work.