Summary

Andrei Kotov, a Russian travel agency director accused of organizing LGBTQ+ tours, died in pre-trial detention in Moscow.

Authorities claim his death was a suicide, but rights groups highlight previous reports of beatings and abuse during his arrest.

Kotov was charged with “extremist activities” after Russia banned the LGBTQ+ movement as extremist in 2023, intensifying its crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.

He denied organizing specific LGBTQ+ events, calling them ordinary tours.

His death has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the broader suppression of dissent in Russia.