Russia bans the ‘International Satanist Movement’

Moscow (Russia) – Russia has imposed a ban on the group called the ‘International Satanist Movement’. This will enable the government to freeze the assets of individuals associated with the organisation, even if they are not facing any criminal charges.

In July, Russia’s Supreme Court had declared the ‘International Satanist Movement’ a ‘terrorist organisation’. The group was accused of insulting the Orthodox Christian Church and spreading hatred. At the time, Russia’s Prosecutor General had remarked that this movement was linked with extremist nationalism and neo-Nazi tendencies.

Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, welcomed the ban, alleging that “Satanists perform evil rituals and lure the youth towards themselves.”

What is Satanism ?

Any ideology or religion that involves the worship of Satan is termed Satanism. In the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), Satan is considered the embodiment of evil. No concrete information is available on how many people worldwide or within Russia adhere to Satanist beliefs.