Russia Prosecutes 13-Year-Old Boy for Sharing LGBT Video Online

A 13-year-old boy in Russia is in serious legal trouble. He shared a video he found online. The video was about LGBT people. Russian authorities called it 'LGBT propaganda.'

Under Russian law, sharing LGBT content is illegal. This is especially true when minors are involved. The law is called the 'LGBT propaganda law.' It was expanded in 2023. Now it applies to all age groups, not just children.

The boy's family is shocked. 'He wanted to make a joke,' a family member said. The boy did not understand the legal consequences. He is only 13 years old. He found the video online and shared it with others.

Now he could be sent to a reform school. Reform schools in Russia are strict institutions. They are meant for young people who break the law. Human rights groups say conditions there can be very harsh.

This case shows how broadly Russia applies its LGBT laws. Even children are not protected from prosecution. Critics say the law is used to silence and punish LGBT people. It also punishes anyone who supports LGBT rights.

Human rights organizations are alarmed. They say this case is a warning sign. Russia is using its laws to target more and more people. A 13-year-old child sharing a video is now treated as a criminal.

LGBT rights in Russia have been declining for years. In 2023, Russia's Supreme Court banned the 'LGBT movement' entirely. The court called it an 'extremist organization.' This means supporting LGBT rights can now be compared to supporting terrorism.

International human rights groups have strongly condemned these laws. They call on Russia to stop prosecuting LGBT people and their allies. They also call for the protection of children caught up in these cases.

The boy's case is still ongoing. It is not yet clear what the final punishment will be. But his story has drawn international attention. Many people around the world are calling for the charges to be dropped.