Russian internet company Yandex’s chief executive, Artem Savinovsky, is facing prosecution in a Russian court under the country’s controversial “LGBT propaganda” law, according to a notice on the court’s website. This move follows a recent fine imposed on Yandex’s online film database, Kinopoisk, for the “incorrect labeling of LGBT films.” The case against Savinovsky is an administrative one, connected to violations of the law that do not cause significant harm or public danger.
The intensification of Russia’s clampdown on LGBT rights is evident as President Vladimir Putin portrays it as a necessary measure to protect the country from what he perceives as moral decay in Western countries. In December, Putin signed a law expanding restrictions on the promotion of “LGBT propaganda,” effectively prohibiting public expressions of the behavior or lifestyle of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, or transgender people in Russia.
Yandex, Russia’s leading technology firm, has been grappling with the challenge of balancing domestic pressures with the interests of its Western investors since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine last year. In addition to this latest legal battle, the company was recently fined for refusing to provide user information to Russia’s security services. Yandex’s Dutch-registered holding company, Yandex NV, is currently undergoing a corporate restructuring process, aiming to spin off its main revenue-generating businesses within Russia while developing separate units abroad.
The fine imposed on Kinopoisk, owned by Yandex, was due to the absence of an 18+ label on several movies on its site, including popular films like “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” “Greed,” and “Perfect Strangers.” Kinopoisk’s defense argued that the films were only accessible through a subscription available to viewers over 18. However, the court dismissed this argument, leading to the imposition of the fine.
As the case against Savinovsky unfolds, Yandex has stated its intention to appeal any court findings against its CEO. The prosecution serves as another episode in the ongoing struggle between Russia’s increasing restrictions on LGBT rights and the push for equality within the country.
Overall, the legal proceedings against Yandex’s CEO highlight the challenging landscape faced by LGBTQ individuals and organizations in Russia, with the government tightening its grip on LGBT rights and expression, while companies navigate the complexities of complying with these laws and the expectations of Western investors.