Support The Moscow Times!

Orthodox T-Shirt Challenged as Extremist

Prosecutors want a ban on the Orthodox-themed T-shirt. A man wore the shirt while protesting at Monday's court hearing for two art curators. Denis Sinyakov

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.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

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 you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more