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Russia has officially designated Satanism as an extremist ideology, a move that could lead to the prosecution of individuals and groups associated with the belief system. The ruling,which aligns with calls from the Russian Orthodox Church and conservative lawmakers,adds Satanism to a list of movements targeted under the country’s 2002 extremism law.
This legal classification follows a period of increased scrutiny,with Russia’s State Duma hosting a roundtable in April to discuss combating Satanism and other beliefs perceived as threats to the Russian state. Critics of the extremism law argue it has been disproportionately used to suppress dissent and stifle criticism of the Russian Orthodox Church and government policies.
