A Russian teenager has been found guilty of violating the country’s antigay child “propaganda” laws, making him the first minor to be targeted by the government.
16-year-old Maxim Neverov was found guilty this week of spreading “propaganda of homosexuality among minors” despite being a minor himself.
Neverov was slapped with a fine of 50,000 rubles ($770 U.S.) for posting a couple “partially nude” photos to Vkontakte, a Russian social media site.
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Earlier this year, Neverov attempted to organize an anti-Putin street performance titled “Gays or Putin”. He submitted a dozen applications to the city administration for permission; all 12 applications were rejected. The case managed to get the attention of the local Duma.
According to Russian LGBT Network, an LGBTQ advocacy site, Neverov was arrested on July 24. At the time, he was denied access to a lawyer. As a result, he refused to speak to police.
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Russian’s antigay “propaganda” law was signed into law by President Vladimir Putin after receiving unanimous approval by the State Duma in 2013.
It’s alleged purpose is to “protect” children from the influences of homosexuality by any means necessary.
The Commission did not provide a reason for their guilty verdict against Neverov. The teenager has since appealed the verdict.
tham
Man, I hate Russia…and all their bots…and that little tiny guy named Putin. Which btw, is such a self loathing closeted gay. He’s like one of those religious leaders who preach damnation then secretly grooms boys on Grindr.
Mr-DJ
Very strange. If the law is meant to ‘protect children’, then why aren’t they looking at this child as a victim?
And if a child that is ‘turned’ by this ‘propaganda’ is automatically considered Gay, and thus a part of the ‘Gay propaganda machine’, then there are never really any victims. Thus it is actually a victimless crime. :-/
crowebobby
Not going to help Neverov much.
Kenover
Bastards.
brianlange
The boys in jail will be for his favors. I should marry him and bring him home to my villa!
Hussain-TheCanadian
How can they find him “guilty” and not even give a reason? What kind of a backwards “justice system” is this?
This is purely political – Let the boy go!!!