The NecroComicCon festival in St. Petersburg is facing significant challenges as organizers report hindrances to setting up their venue, culminating in the detention of the festival’s producer, Alexey Samsonov. The event, a mystical and fantasy-themed exhibition, has encountered resistance from local authorities, leading to concerns about its potential cancellation.

Samsonov was detained as police checked his documents to determine if he had violated migration laws. Samsonov is a citizen of Kazakhstan, but has lived in St. Petersburg for almost 20 years.

The organizers assert that representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs have blocked access to the venue, disrupting the installation of crucial infrastructure like the stage and equipment. This obstruction jeopardizes the attendance of thousands of ticket holders and the participation of numerous artists, publishers, and speakers from various cities.

According to Samsonov, the issues stem from the Krasnogvardeisky district administration’s reservations regarding the festival’s theme. Despite receiving approval from the Committee on Industrial Policy, Innovation, and Trade, along with a recommendation to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures, the organizers faced pushback from the district administration.

The administration requested clarification on the “true goals” of NecroComicCon, leading to a meeting with organizers. Samsonov believes the core issue lies in the officials’ perception of the festival’s mystical theme.

The organizers also received a warning from the prosecutor’s office regarding compliance with the Federal Law “On the Protection of Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development,” prompting them to raise the age limit to 18+.

Organizers say that access for vehicles transporting equipment was blocked and police and National Guard were constantly at the site.

Efforts were made to align the festival with societal trends by changing its name from “Starcon Halloween” to “NecroComicCon” and incorporating elements of Russian folklore.

The festival was planned to feature a cosplay contest, a Minotaur labyrinth, an immersive quest, a thematic flash mob, a rock concert, and a stage program.