Police and OMON riot officers raided a party at the Simach club-restaurant on Tverskoy Boulevard in Moscow in the early hours of August 23, stopping the music and blocking guests from leaving the venue. The club was hosting a free-entry "Blondes vs. Brunettes" party that night.
Officers arrived at around 01:40, halted the music and barred visitors from exiting. Both entrances were blocked, new guests were turned away, and a police van was parked outside the building. Guests were taken in small groups to a restroom on the minus-first floor, where they were asked to empty their pockets, had phone cases removed, wallets inspected, and were questioned about possible drug use.
The atmosphere inside remained calm, but according to one guest, OMON officers used force against several visitors who tried to find out what was happening. Witnesses also said one guest was forced face-down on the floor and subjected to a stun gun during the raid.
One visitor broke a window near the stairs and attempted to get outside. He was stopped, after which force was likely used against him, a witness claimed. Another man jumped from a second-floor balcony. No information about his condition was reported.
According to a source for the REN TV channel, police were searching guests for drugs. The official reason for the inspection has not been disclosed. No information about seized substances, drawn-up protocols or detentions was available at the time of publication. Moscow police and the club have not publicly commented on the situation.