First minor prosecuted under Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law appeals fine

The first minor to be prosecuted under Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law has appealed his fine. 

Maxim Neverov, 16, was found guilty of “promoting non-traditional sexual relationship among minors” and fined 50,000 rubes (£600).

But the 16-year old’s lawyer said on Monday (August 20) that he has filed an appeal, reports Reuters.

“Yesterday we mailed our appeal [to the authorities]. It should be considered and ruled on within two months,” Neverov’s lawyer Artyom Lapov told Reuters.

The Russian LGBT Network, who provided a lawyer for Neverov, published the story about Neverov’s case on its website on August 8.

According to the report of the offence, Neverov, who is from the town of Biysk, published “some pictures of young men whose appearance (partly nude body parts) had the characteristics of propaganda of homosexual relations.”

The Russian LGBT Network claimed the teen was not allowed to consult his lawyer when the officer was filing the report.

The group also suggested that Neverov could have been targeted because he took part in a highly public protest called “Gays or Putin,” in May.

The performance was discussed in the Russian federal legislative assembly, known as the Duma.

An LGBT pride rally in St Petersburg (OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP/Getty)

Neverov had previously submitted 12 applications for permission for the performance and was refused a permit. The teen also attempted to organise a local pride parade.

According to the network, in the teenagers case materials there was a document which reported that there was a public outcry over the pride parade.

Russia’s anti-gay propaganda law was passed in 2013 banning “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relationships.”