The Ministry of Justice considers journalist Vadim Vaganov an 'activist' of the non-existent 'International LGBT Public Movement'. This follows from the agency's response in the case of challenging Vaganov's 'foreign agent' status, reports the human rights project 'First Department' with reference to LGBT rights lawyer Maxim Olenichev, representing the journalist's interests.
'Vaganov V.A. is an activist of the International LGBT Public Movement (by decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation from 30.11.2023 included in the list of public associations and religious organizations for which the court has made a legally binding decision to ban activities)', — states the document.
Thus, the agency for the first time named a specific person as an activist of the non-existent 'International LGBT Public Movement'. Previously, the Supreme Court in its decision recognizing the 'movement' as 'extremist' only indicated that '281 individuals involved in the activities of the movement' were identified, without naming surnames or other personal data.
The non-existent 'International LGBT Public Movement' was recognized as 'extremist' on November 30, 2023. As stated in the decision, participants of the 'international LGBT public movement' are united by 'the presence of certain morals, customs, and traditions, common interests and needs'.
On January 10, 2024, the decision came into force, and on March 1, the Ministry of Justice included the so-called 'movement' and its 'structural subdivisions' in the register of extremist and banned organizations.
Vadim Vaganov — a former member of 'Youth Yabloko' and a journalist for the portal 'Guys Plus'. On the day the State Duma passed the law banning LGBT propaganda in 2022, he came out. In November 2024, the Ministry of Justice included Vaganov in the register of 'foreign agents'.
* Recognized in Russia as a 'foreign agent'.