A district court in Moscow sentenced 24-year-old local politician Daniil Neonow to ten days in detention last week. The verdict, according to independent Russian-language media, stemmed from a photo on his Telegram channel in which he wore a rainbow-printed T-shirt bearing the English word “Love.” Neonow describes himself on social media as a “femboy.” The court also ordered the destruction of the garment.
The authorities had accused the opposition municipal politician of displaying symbols associated with extremist organizations. The backdrop is that Russia, after the start of its invasion of Ukraine, designated the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist organization (TheColu.mn reported). Since then, security services have systematically pursued the public display of rainbow symbols within the country.
Lawyer: Rainbow flag has six colors, the shirt had seven
The lawyer for Neonow argued in court that the photo did not display prohibited symbolism: it contains seven colors of the rainbow, whereas the forbidden rainbow flag of the queer community has six colors. There are also reports that Neonow was beaten and choked in custody and that he was initially denied access to a lawyer.
Neonow described his activism on social media with the words: “I’m here because I want a Russia where people can be themselves, live, and not be afraid.” He had hoped to run for a seat in Moscow’s neighborhood parliament — according to reports, he was barred from candidacy following the verdict.
The 24-year-old is linked to the unregistered party Rassvet (Dawn). It promotes a democratic platform and opposes the war against Ukraine. Its founder, Jekaterina Dunzowa, had intended to run in the 2024 presidential election against Vladimir Putin but was rejected — allegedly due to formal errors in her paperwork. Later she was labeled by the state as a “foreign agent” and has since faced regular harassment and brief detentions by authorities.
