US EditionMajor Russian book publisher's staff questioned over 'LGBT propaganda'
Police questioned the publisher’s chief executive as investigators examined thousands of books and a broader case over alleged extremist LGBTQ content.
- On Tuesday, April 21, Russian police detained Eksmo CEO Yevgeny Kapyev in Moscow for questioning in a criminal case involving the publication of books dealing with LGBTQ+ themes.
- Authorities opened the probe in 2025 after arresting more than 10 staff members when officials alleged "LGBT propaganda" had been detected in books published by Eksmo subsidiary Popcorn Books.
- Investigators searched homes of current and former employees as part of the case, which links to the Supreme Court's late 2023 designation of the "international LGBT movement" as "extremist."
- Eksmo communication director Yekaterina Kozhanova told AFP that Kapyev, the finance director, and other senior managers were taken for questioning in the "criminal case on extremism."
- This detention occurs amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ culture, which Russian President Vladimir Putin touts as a drive to promote "traditional values" through strict censorship of media and arts.
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28 Articles
Top Russian publisher rejects accusations in 'LGBT extremism' probe
The Kremlin has for years been hardening repressive laws against the LGBTQ community as part of what President Vladimir Putin touts as a drive to promote 'traditional values', including cracking down on films, books, art and culture.
Major Russian book publisher's staff questioned over 'LGBT propaganda'
One of Russia's largest publishers said on Wednesday that some staff were being questioned by authorities over possible "LGBT propaganda" in its book catalogue, part of broader limits on gay and transgender rights under President Vladimir Putin.
Those who violate »traditional« values have to reckon with increasingly harsh penalties in Russia. So now also the largest publisher of the country. He is said to have published books on LGBTQ topics.
Moreover, the novels were written by authors classified as "foreign agents."
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