The investigation by activist Julia Tsvetkova has been going on for six months. It is not the first time authorities in Russia are investigating her work, but now it can lead to imprisonment.
- They say it's propaganda and that I corrupt children, Julia tells SVT News.
GaypropagandaJulia is charged with two different crimes. One is the spread of pornography, after publishing cartoons of women's bodies, and the other indictment was added as late as July.
It is a drawing representing LGBT families with the text “A family is where love is. Supporting LGBT families "accused of being gay propaganda.
- I drew it about a year ago, says Julia.
She has previously been fined for the drawing - but now it can be used against her again.
Julia is waiting for a date for her trial, which can be announced as late as the night before. The human rights organization Civil Rights Defenders says a speedy process is something they are worried about:
- We have seen how it is used as a tactic to silence critical voices, says Eurasia chief Ana Furtuna.
- If this happens so quickly, it can be difficult to monitor the trial to ensure that all evidence is presented and that the process becomes fair, says Furtuna.
However, Russia's federal human rights ombudsman has said they should attend, which, according to Furtuna, shows that the country is not completely immune to international pressure.
Not uniqueAlmost half a percent of those accused of crimes in Russia are released. The chance of Julia getting a conviction is very high, and her situation is not unique.
- We have seen an increase in similar cases since last year, says Furtuna.
How LGBTQ people are treated differs greatly from region to region, but in general, Furtuna believes that the situation has worsened, partly through a change in the constitution that marriage can only be defined as a relationship between man and woman.
But to stifle the movement has so far not worked.
- There is a great commitment - despite all the threats and problems we face, says Julia.