The “International Satanist Movement”, added by Russia on the list of terrorists. How to define the Kremlin this organization, which does not exist
Festival in Catalonia. Photo: Kim Gordon-Bates / Alamy / Profimedia
Russia added on Friday what called the “International Movement of Satanists” on the black financial list of “terrorists and extremists”, which allows it to freeze the assets of the alleged members even in the absence of a criminal record, notes AFP.
Despite the official aspect name, the “International Movement of Satanists” does not seem to exist, at least not under this name. In recent years, Moscow has included on the list of “terrorist and extremist” organizations several non-existent entities, including “LGBT International Movement” or “Movement of Anti-Ruşi separatists.”
As such groups are vaguely defined in Russian legislation, prosecutors can accuse anyone of belonging, giving the Kremlin free to follow their political opponents, according to critics.
The Supreme Court of Russia declared the “International Movement of Satanism” as extremist in July, after prosecutors accused alleged members of the desecration of Orthodox churches and the spread of “hatred”.
“The movement is closely related to manifestations of radical nationalism and neo-Nazism,” declared the General Prosecutor's Office in a statement issued in July.
Patriarch Kirill, the influential leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, has supported prohibition since January, accusing Satanists of carrying out harmful “rituals” and recruits young people.
“Think … Our soldiers are ready to give their lives for values that are obviously trampled by satanists,” he said at a Kremlin ceremony.
RosfinMotoritoring, the Russian Federal Agency that manages the black financial list of “terrorists and extremists,” added the “International Movement of Satanism” on Friday, according to the institution's website.
Satanism designates any ideology or religion that worship Satan, a supernatural entity from the Abrahamic religions associated with evil.
It is not known how many people adhere to satanism at the global level or in Russia.
