Russian Supreme Court begins considering authorities’ request to ban ‘international LGBT movement’ behind closed doors

The Russian Supreme Court has begun reviewing a lawsuit filed by the country’s Justice Ministry to ban the “international LGBT movement” as an “extremist organization.” The first hearing in the case is being held in a closed session on November 30.

According to the independent outlet Mediazona, Justice Ministry officials were the only people allowed to enter the courtroom. The Supreme Court’s press service has indicated that nobody is present to serve as the defendant.

Journalists covering the case are only allowed in a separate area where the hearing is being broadcast. According to the court’s press secretary, reporters will be allowed into the courtroom when the judge’s decision is announced.