Mass searches and arrests have taken place in the Urals in connection with a case regarding involvement with the “Citizens of the USSR” movement.

Security forces have detained a transgender resident of Kurgan, who is accused of involvement in the activities of the “Citizens of the USSR.” This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing a source in the security services.

'During a series of measures, information was obtained regarding a supporter of the international public movement “LGBT,” whose activity is banned in the Russian Federation, who is also involved in the activities of the interregional public organisation “Citizens of the USSR,” which has been declared extremist, ' the source told RIA Novosti.

The question of whether to open a criminal case is still being decided.

14:15 The Investigative Committee for the Kurgan region reported conducting more than 15 searches, and detaining two “organisers” and eight “members” of the “Citizens of the USSR” movement.

Criminal cases have been opened against two residents of Shumikha (a town in the Kurgan region), who the investigation considers to be “organisers” of the “extremist organisation,” under the relevant article (Part 1, Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code). “The men directly participated in various activities, and also held conversations with citizens with the aim of promoting the activity of the said banned organisation,” the press release stated.

Searches took place in the Kurgan and Tyumen regions (in western Siberia). As a result, security personnel seized “banned literature,” electronic devices, and “other materials of interest to the investigation.”

The headline has been changed following new information.