Russian security forces raid punk festival, detaining nearly 100 people over alleged pro-Ukraine songs and drug use

Security forces raided the private Day x Night punk festival near Vyborg on August 22, cordoning off a forest, searching tents, confiscating drones, and detaining about 100 people, according to Izvestia-controlled outlet 78.ru and state agency RIA Novosti. Those outlets claimed festivalgoers performed songs supporting Ukraine and a change of Russian government, and that officers found Ukrainian-symbol posters and drugs among 'left-wing radicals.'

Footage showed dozens of people lying face down as officers ordered them to keep their hands behind their heads, alongside displayed packets of powder and syringes; it remains officially unconfirmed whether banned substances were actually found. An anonymous musician who performed told independent outlet Mediazona that officers used force in the raid's opening minutes, made homophobic jokes, and asked provocative questions like how long people had been 'in the movement' — to which attendees reportedly answered they simply listen to music.

The musician said there were no political flags or Ukrainian symbols present, and that only one person was detained on suspicion of dealing drugs after documents were checked and most attendees released. Authorities have not said whether a criminal case will be opened or specified potential charges.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.