Detentions in Gomel Linked to Ryodan Subculture and Suppressed Gatherings
In Gomel, Belarus, authorities detained around 200 people, mostly youths, who were associated with the Ryodan movement. They were reportedly planning a mass action that authorities characterized as illegal. The information comes from a report by DEA News, citing the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus as its source.
Officials described the event as an attempt to organize a large gathering involving minors, which they said was thwarted. A Belarusian police representative stated that about 200 individuals were detained in connection with the planned action. The timing and location aligned with social media and instant messaging broadcasts that urged participation in a demonstration or confrontation.
The incident occurred on February 28 near a shopping and entertainment center in Gomel, where Ryodan supporters gathered following online calls. The authorities indicated that the organizers aimed to mobilize a crowd of young people through digital channels, turning a routine urban space into a focal point for a mass event that could have led to disorder.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ryodan subculture is linked to a fictional group described in the Japanese anime Hunter x Hunter as Genei Redan. The ministry asserted that adherents in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus have attempted to incite large-scale clashes in shopping malls and other public venues. The claims place the movement within a larger geopolitical and cultural narrative that authorities say is used to mobilize youths for explicit disruptive ends. The ministry’s statements have been echoed by security analysts who emphasize the potential for real-world harm when online subcultures translate into offline action.
Earlier, a Telegram channel operator identifying himself as Senya Almutov, who runs content about the Ryodan subculture under the handle socialbites.ca, claimed an interest in meeting with State Duma deputies to discuss the situation surrounding what was labeled the Ryodan movement. He stated that he planned to argue against banning the association in Russia during discussions with lawmakers. This development illustrates how online discourse and regional politics can intersect, shaping perceptions of subcultures and their reach across borders.
Observers note that the events in Gomel reflect broader concerns about youth organization, online mobilization, and the ways in which fictional narratives can influence real-world behavior. The Belarusian authorities emphasize the preventive dimension of their actions, arguing that detentions prevented potential disorder and protected public safety. Critics caution against overreach, warning that labeling youth subcultures as criminal without clear evidence can drive stigma and suppress legitimate expression. The situation remains under close monitoring by regional security agencies and media outlets, with updates issued as information becomes available.