Bizarre Laws in Russia
Russia is known for its unique set of laws, some of which may seem unusual or peculiar to outsiders. In this section, we will explore a few of the most bizarre laws in Russia, ranging from restrictions on public behavior to historical oddities.
Drinking in Public
Russia has strict regulations on drinking in public places, such as parks, as the government aims to reduce excessive drinking habits in the country. Being caught drinking in public can result in dealing with the police, despite the inventive ways Russians have found to consume alcohol (The Culture Trip).
ID Checks in Crowded Places
In Russia, failing to show ID, especially in crowded places like subways and public squares, can result in a trip to the police station. These ID checks are primarily aimed at identifying migrant workers without proper permissions to work.
Playing Pokemon Go
Playing Pokemon Go in Russia can lead to arrests if the activity is used to make a statement or raise awareness, such as playing inside a church in Yekaterinburg while chanting religious-sounding incantations with swearing. This act can be considered insulting religious feelings, which is illegal under the law signed by Putin.
Writing Letters to the Government
Writing letters to the government, like the ‘Open Russia’ movement representative who collected open letters to Putin, can result in detention and imprisonment. For instance, an individual was detained for collecting letters requesting that Putin not run for another term in upcoming elections.
Smoking Restrictions
Smoking in public places in Russia is now restricted, with smoking prohibited in various public places like universities, hospitals, government buildings, theatres, museums, stadiums, and stations. Lawbreakers can be arrested and detained for up to 15 days, reflecting the government’s efforts to combat smoking.
Historical Odd Laws
Throughout Russia’s history, there have been some truly peculiar laws. Here are a few examples:
- Peter the Great issued a decree in 1715 prohibiting people from wearing shoes lined with iron staples or nails to prevent the wooden sidewalks of St. Petersburg from wearing out quickly, with violators facing harsh punishments such as heavy fines for fashionistas and hard labor plus property confiscation for sellers. The decree led to empty streets (Russia Beyond).
- Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich declared war on alcoholism in 1647, prohibiting the sale of more than one glass (about 150 milliliters) of alcohol per person and implementing a reform that included reducing the number of drinking outlets and increasing alcohol prices threefold. In total, there were 180 “sober” days on the calendar, and serious punishment awaited those producing “underground” vodka.
- Paul I issued laws to prevent reminders of the French Revolution and freethinking, including bans on wearing wide-brimmed French hats, shoes with ribbons instead of buckles, sideburns, and even the waltz. These bans were linked to the emperor’s personal issues, such as his poor beard growth and lack of agile dancing skills (Russia Beyond).
- The import and export of rhubarb was strictly regulated in Russia during the 17th century, when it was valued for medicinal and dye purposes. It was forbidden to trade rhubarb, with the tsar’s treasury being the main seller and buyer. Violators faced serious punishment, including “the most severe torture” (Russia Beyond).
- Empress Elizabeth Petrovna issued a decree in 1745 for the “expulsion of cats” to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to catch mice, leading to the settlement of rat-catching cats in the palace (Russia Beyond).
These are just a few examples of the strange and unusual laws that have existed in Russia. While some may seem baffling, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history and cultural context.
Legal Quirks & Extremism
Russia has some unique legal quirks and regulations, particularly in the realm of extremism. Let’s take a closer look at some of these unusual laws and regulations.
Anti-Extremism Laws
Russia has implemented anti-extremism laws to address a range of prohibited activities, including terrorism, violent hate crimes, and hate speech. These laws are intended to maintain social harmony and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies. However, the broad language of these laws can be subject to interpretation, leading to potential challenges and controversies.
Provisions such as “inciting social discord” and “inciting religious discord” can be broadly applied, potentially implicating trade unions and restricting religious proselytizing. Moreover, the ban on “public incitement” lacks practical limits, exposing internet users who make provocative comments to legal jeopardy. The vagueness of these laws raises concerns about the potential infringement on freedom of expression and the misuse of these provisions (Wilson Center).
Hate Crimes & Hate Speech Laws
In recent years, Russia has seen a higher number of convictions for hate speech compared to hate crimes. While hate speech laws aim to counteract discrimination and intolerance, the ease of targeting hate speech may divert police attention away from perpetrators of actual hate crimes. This diversion could have real consequences, as it may result in a lack of accountability for those who commit violent acts based on prejudice.
Prosecution via Social Media
Russian authorities have been known to prosecute individuals for criminal offenses based on their social media posts, online videos, media articles, and interviews. This has raised concerns about the restriction of freedom of expression and the potential chilling effect on online discourse. Since 2012, Russian authorities have shut down or blocked access to hundreds of websites and web pages as part of their efforts to control online content and infrastructure.
Internet Content Regulations
The Russian government has enacted laws that provide them with a wide range of tools to restrict access to information, carry out surveillance, and censor online content. These regulations have significantly increased state control over the internet and have been criticized for curbing freedom of expression. The government’s ability to regulate and censor online information has raised concerns about the impact on freedom of speech and access to uncensored information (HRW).
It’s important to note that Russia’s legal landscape is complex and evolving, and the enforcement and interpretation of these laws can vary. Understanding these legal quirks and the impact they have on freedom of expression is essential for anyone interested in the legal landscape of Russia.
Crackdown on Freedom
Russia has garnered attention for its repressive approach toward freedom of expression, both online and offline. Let’s delve into some of the peculiar aspects of Russia’s approach to freedom and the laws that contribute to this crackdown.
Repressive Internet Laws
The Russian government has enacted a series of repressive laws that regulate internet content and infrastructure, granting the government extensive control over online information. These laws provide authorities with tools to restrict access to information, carry out unchecked surveillance, and censor content. As a result, numerous websites and web pages have been shut down or blocked, limiting online freedom of expression.
Control Over Media
In recent years, the Russian government has significantly increased its control over the media landscape. Many mainstream media outlets have become the voice of the state and employ propaganda techniques to mobilize support for the government. This consolidation of media control restricts diverse and independent voices, limiting the availability of alternative viewpoints.
Limits on Freedom of Speech
The Russian government has passed laws that limit and interfere with freedom of speech and information. These laws are actively enforced to prosecute individuals engaging in online speech critical of the government (HRW). Such restrictions curtail the ability of individuals to express their opinions openly and engage in public discourse.
State Control of Media Outlets
Since 2012, the Russian government has intensified its crackdown on freedom of expression, selectively labeling certain forms of government criticism as threats to state security and public stability. The government has introduced significant restrictions on online expression and implemented invasive surveillance of online activities (HRW). This level of control allows the state to monitor and suppress dissenting voices.
The unusual legal environment surrounding freedom in Russia is a cause for concern. The repressive internet laws, control over media outlets, limits on freedom of speech, and state control over information channels contribute to an environment where the exercise of freedom of expression can be challenging. It is essential to understand and acknowledge these circumstances to foster a better understanding of the dynamics of freedom in Russia.
Trouble for Expression
In Russia, there are some bizarre laws that can get you into trouble for expressing yourself in unusual ways. Here are a few examples:
Easter Egg Political Slogan
Imagine decorating Easter eggs with colorful designs and hiding them for children to find. Sounds innocent, right? Well, in Russia, a former nursery-school teacher found herself in trouble for decorating Easter eggs with a political slogan supporting an opposition activist. She was convicted for participating in an illegal demonstration, even though she painted the eggs in a section of a public park designated as a free-speech zone. This incident shows that even seemingly harmless acts can have unexpected consequences.
Teacher’s Poem Conviction
In 2015, a teacher in Oryol, Russia, faced legal consequences for expressing himself through poetry. He was convicted of “inciting ethnic hatred” for a poem called “To Ukrainian Patriots.” This led to his dismissal from his teaching job and a sentence of 300 hours of community service. In another incident, he faced a new investigation for writing a poem about Soviet-era poet Joseph Brodsky with alleged “extremist connotations”. These cases highlight the potential risks of artistic expression in Russia.
Kindergarten Teacher’s Video
Sometimes, raising awareness about important issues can land you in trouble. A kindergarten teacher in Russia found this out the hard way when she was sentenced to five months in jail for reposting a child-abuse video to raise awareness about the issue. Although her initial conviction was eventually overturned by the Russian Supreme Court, the incident highlights the challenges individuals face when trying to shed light on sensitive subjects (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty).
Blogger’s Church Pokemon Go
In a case that gained international attention, a blogger in Yekaterinburg was convicted of “inciting hatred” and “insulting the feelings of religious believers” for posting videos, including one in which he played Pokemon Go in a church. He received a 3 1/2-year suspended sentence. This case shows the extent to which the Russian legal system can crack down on unconventional forms of expression.
These instances highlight the unusual situations that can arise when expressing oneself in Russia. It’s important to be aware of the legal boundaries and potential consequences of your actions. While some laws may seem bizarre, they are enforced, and individuals can face serious repercussions for seemingly innocent acts. So, if you find yourself in Russia, it’s best to ensure that your creative expressions stay within the legal limits.
Unusual Convictions
While Russia is known for its unique legal landscape, some convictions have raised eyebrows due to their unusual nature. Here are four cases that exemplify the quirks of the Russian legal system.
Reposting Nazi Photo
In a case from 2015, a woman was fined for reposting a historical photograph showing the Nazi occupation of the city of Smolensk. The photograph included a Nazi flag and officers in uniform, which led to her conviction for “disseminating Nazi insignias” (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty). This incident sheds light on the strict regulations surrounding the dissemination of Nazi symbols in Russia.
Ethnic Hatred Poem
In 2015, a teacher in Oryol, Russia, faced legal consequences for a poem titled “To Ukrainian Patriots.” He was convicted of “inciting ethnic hatred” and subsequently fired from his teaching position. Additionally, he was sentenced to 300 hours of community service. This incident showcases the sensitivity surrounding ethnic tensions in the country (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty). The teacher’s subsequent investigation for another poem with alleged “extremist connotations” further highlights the strict approach to monitoring potential extremist content.
Kindergarten Teacher’s Case
A kindergarten teacher in Russia found herself in legal trouble after reposting a child abuse video to raise awareness about the issue. Despite her intention to shed light on a serious problem, she was initially convicted and sentenced to five months in jail. However, the Russian Supreme Court eventually overturned her verdict, ordering her release with just weeks left in her sentence. This case demonstrates the complexities and potential pitfalls of navigating legal boundaries even with good intentions (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty).
Yekaterinburg Blogger’s Sentence
Another high-profile case involved a blogger in Yekaterinburg who received a 3 1/2-year suspended sentence for “inciting hatred” and “insulting the feelings of religious believers.” One of the videos that led to his conviction showed him playing Pokemon Go inside a church. This case garnered international attention and highlighted the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty).
These unusual convictions shed light on the intricacies of the Russian legal system and the unique considerations that can lead to convictions for seemingly innocuous actions. While these cases may seem peculiar, they serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the legal boundaries in any country.
