Russian metal fans are worried that new anti-satanist law will have Putin coming for them
As if ordinary Russians didn’t have enough dysfunction in their country, the Kremlin, after appeals from the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, has declared anyone associated with satanism of being a “terrorist group.” I quote from Boing Boing:
“The Russian Supreme Court’s ruling came after appeals from the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, MPs and other officials. It means that anyone who is alleged to be a member of the non-existent [“international satanism movement”] could face up to eight years in prison. Critics said the ruling would increase the climate of fear that has gripped Russia since President Putin ordered tanks into Ukraine in 2022.”
The law is retroactive–due to come into force next month–meaning that anyone suspected of this “satanism” over years is potentially a target. That includes, it’s feared, any imagery associated with metal bands–which, as we know, can be a little on the dark side. That loops in not only Russian metal bands but their fans.
The ancillary outrage involves complaints about “satanic sex orgies” in Moscow.
