The deputy speaker of the State Duma wants to stop Russian Internet users from mocking patriotic values.
As reported by the TASS news agency, Duma Deputy Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy complained on Friday that “it’s become hip” for Internet users to smirk at patriotic values, pointing out that online communities have already generated demeaning terms like “krymnashist,” “vatnik,” “kolorad,” and so on, to insult Russians who embrace the Kremlin’s internationally contentious policies, such as the annexation of Crimea.
“Spiritual bonds, patriotism, and remembering the heroism of the people are not Internet memes, and they’re not an excuse for sarcasm and hypocritical sneering. We’re talking about the basic components of our national consciousness and the state system,” Tolstoy told journalists, arguing that “it’s been tried more than once to destroy and shatter Russia from the inside.”
According to the deputy speaker, Russia must watch out for efforts to “discredit our faith, spirituality, family values, and love for the Motherland.”
Tolstoy then concluded his remarks by repeating a meme popular among Russian patriots, saying, “Our country really can’t be beaten, and we should be proud of it.”
Tolstoy did not specify — specifically or vaguely — how wants to ban “anti-patriotic” sarcasm on the Internet.
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.
