FreshTunes fined 2.5 million rubles in Moscow for “LGBT propaganda” in songs
On 3 November 2026, Moscow’s Tagansky District Court fined music distributor FreshTunes 2.5 million rubles under Part 4 of Article 6.21 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offences, concerning online “LGBT propaganda.” Mediazona, whose correspondent attended the hearing, reported the ruling by Judge Alexandra Anokhina.
The case concerned Russian-language songs on Yandex Music. Mediazona names “Proigrali oba” and “Metastazy” by Russian musician SHIIANOV among them. Moscow 24, citing TASS, also mentions a song by BLIZDEC. According to Mediazona, the songs have already been removed from the platform.
A FreshTunes representative acknowledged publication but argued that it amounted to “display,” rather than “propaganda.” The defence asked the court to summon the specialists who prepared the assessment and a Roskomnadzor employee, and to commission an expert examination. According to Mediazona’s reporter, the judge rejected those requests.
The distributor’s representative also told the court that the company had advertised a position for a specialist to listen to tracks and check their compliance with Russian law.
FreshTunes helps independent artists and labels release music on streaming services. Yandex Music’s official help page lists the company among its partner distributors for artists.
Uránia previously reported on Russian fines under provisions restricting information about LGBT people.
