Russian Authorities Intensify Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Representation in Publishing

In a significant crackdown on LGBTQ+ representation, Russian police conducted a raid on Eksmo, one of the country’s leading publishing houses, as part of an ongoing investigation. The authorities are probing allegations that the company violated laws prohibiting what the Russian government terms as LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and extremism.

While initial reports suggested that thousands of books were confiscated during the raid, Eksmo issued a statement clarifying that no books had been seized. However, the company confirmed that its general director, Yevgeny Kapyev, along with three other employees, were taken in for questioning by the authorities.

The Legal Context

The raid is rooted in Russia's stringent laws targeting LGBTQ+ content. Under these laws, any dissemination of LGBTQ+ themes in the presence of minors has been banned since 2013. The law was further tightened in late 2022, when President Vladimir Putin signed legislation expanding the restrictions to include banning any public expression of LGBTQ+ life in Russia. This was followed by a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that labeled the “international LGBT social movement” as an extremist organization.

Eksmo’s troubles appear to be connected to a smaller company called Popcorn Books, which it acquired in 2023. Popcorn Books, known for its progressive stance on queer and controversial themes, was targeted by the government, leading to its closure in January 2026. The authorities accused Popcorn of distributing materials deemed as LGBTQ+ “propaganda” to minors.

Company’s Response and Wider Implications

Eksmo’s communications director, Yekaterina Kozhanova, reported that two of the individuals questioned were the deputy commercial director and the head of distribution. The company conveyed that the investigation was largely due to Popcorn Books' past publications. These books included themes of self-identification, racism, sexism, and mental health issues, alongside LGBTQ+ narratives that are still considered controversial within Russia.

In a statement to the press, Eksmo mentioned that the criminal case, which began in May 2025, involves several titles previously published by Popcorn Books that the government deemed to contain LGBTQ+ propaganda. The company has been under pressure to comply with the government’s stringent regulations, leading to significant operational challenges.

Recent Developments

According to Russian publication Interfax, Kapyev is currently detained by Russian authorities. This is not the first time Eksmo has faced such scrutiny. In May of the previous year, Anatoly Norovyatkin, Eksmo's distribution director, was also detained alongside ten other individuals associated with the company. They were accused of spreading LGBTQ+ propaganda, in violation of Russian legislation.

Following the recent raid, Eksmo reportedly sent notifications to bookstores, instructing them to remove certain titles from their shelves. This preemptive measure is believed to be an effort to avoid further legal repercussions. However, sources suggest that the government’s actions may also be motivated by a desire to exert control over Eksmo’s assets, given its prominent position in the Russian publishing industry.

International Reactions and Future Outlook

The international community continues to watch these developments closely. Human rights organizations and international bodies have repeatedly condemned Russia’s laws targeting LGBTQ+ communities as discriminatory and oppressive. The European Union has previously ruled against similar laws in other countries, urging them to repeal such measures or face consequences.

Looking forward, the situation remains precarious for Eksmo and other entities promoting diverse narratives in Russia. As the crackdown on LGBTQ+ representation intensifies, there is growing concern about the impact on freedom of expression and the future of publishing in the country. The events surrounding Eksmo highlight the broader challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia and the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equal rights.

Stay informed about the latest developments impacting LGBTQ+ communities worldwide by subscribing to our newsletter for timely updates and in-depth analysis.