"Kremlin's Crackdown: Targeting LGBTQ, Lawyers, and Dissent in Russia"

Russian President Vladimir Putin's government crackdown targets not only opposition politicians but also independent voices, LGBTQ activists, lawyers representing dissidents, and smaller religious denominations. Independent media outlets have been labeled as "foreign agents," rights groups have been outlawed, and LGBTQ rights have been suppressed. The government's close alliance with the Russian Orthodox Church has led to the crackdown on smaller religious groups, including Jehovah's Witnesses. Putin has distanced himself from the crackdown, but experts believe he is aware of and supports these actions.