Page 18 - RusRPTFeb24

The ruling claims that the phantasma of an organised "international LGBT movement" is a foreign threat and smacks of the “international Jewish conspiracy” to take over the world, which was an invention of the last Tsar’s Okhrana secret police, promulgated in the book Protocols of the Elders of Zion, which is still on sale in Russia.
As part of its ruling, the court claimed that the LGBT “movement” has been active in Russia since 1984 and described it as part of an American campaign to "limit population growth." Russia has been suffering from a severe demographic crisis, the countering of which has been central to Putin’s policies from his first day’s in office, as described in the bne IntelliNews feature Putin’s babies.
The court alleges that the LGBT movement now poses “a threat to Russia's demographic situation.” Furthermore, the court embraces arguments reminiscent of Western conservative objections to LGBT rights, citing the movement's impact on traditional family values, mental health concerns for young people, and violations of the rights of religious individuals.
The court also turned back common criticism asserting that the "LGBT movement" spreads "disinformation" about discrimination faced by the LGBT community in Russia. The court also acknowledges claims of "radicals" assuming superiority and engaging in practices akin to "cancel culture."
2.6 Turkish and Chinese Banks Halt Operations with Russia Amid Tightening US Sanctions
Amidst escalating efforts by Western nations to tighten sanctions on Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, major Chinese and Turkish banks are increasingly refusing to collaborate with Russian financial institutions. This shift poses potential challenges for Russia's cross-border trade, raising concerns about increased costs and inflationary pressures.
Current Developments:
Recent reports highlight that Chinese banks are intensifying scrutiny on Russian institutions and those from third countries with potential links to Russia. At least two major Chinese banks are reportedly considering cutting off clients on the sanctions list or associated with the defense sector.
Similarly, Russian banks and companies are facing obstacles in Turkey, where many banks have either officially refused to work with their Russian counterparts or suspended payments since late December. The disruption is causing a near-halt in payments between Russian and Turkish entities, impacting various sectors.
Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti has mentioned plans to normalize payments with Turkey, although independent confirmation is lacking.
Root Cause:
18 RUSSIA Country Report February 2024 www.intellinews.com