Moscow prosecutors have asked a court to ban a black T-shirt with the slogan "Orthodox Christianity or Death!" as extremist, Interfax reported Monday, citing Moscow's Lyublinsky District Court.
The T-shirt, adorned with images of the cross and human skulls, is popular among nationalists and Orthodox Christian activists, including the front man of the popular rock band Alisa, Konstantin Kinchev.
Prosecutors opened an investigation into the T-shirt after seeing it on the popular Russian social network Vkontakte, court officials said.
The officials said sociology and linguistics experts have been asked to consider whether the slogan and the images incite religious hatred or propagate the exclusivity, superiority or inferiority of a certain group of believers.
If the court finds the T-shirt extremist, prosecutors will demand that Vkontakte delete images of the T-shirt, while distribution of the T-shirts will become an offense punishable by a fine.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.