Russia bans “Innocence of Muslims” film as extremistOctober 1, 2012 - 19:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Moscow court has ruled that the controversial “Innocence of Muslims” film contains extremist material, banning it nationwide, RT reported. The court convened after a case was filed by the Prosecutor-General's office, calling for the movie to be banned across Russia. According to Russian laws, any content can be legally classified as 'extremist' if prosecutors present sufficient evidence to make their case. After such a ruling, sharing the content also becomes a crime. Upon presenting their case to court, prosecutors said they believe the movie incites religious hatred, thus "propagating religious intolerance in Russia." The judge watched the controversial video, and called experts on culture, history and religion to testify, before delivering a verdict. But while all the experts agreed the movie should be banned, human rights groups fear this could lead to unnecessary censorship of content. Deputy head of Human Right Watch in Moscow Tatyana Lokshina said she has no doubt the movie is offensive to believers. But banning it completely, according to Lokshina, is contradictory to the concept of free speech. The short film, satirizing the prophet Mohammed, has also been banned by Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sudan. YouTube access in these countries has been blocked -until, according to official statements, the film is removed. Such measures were deemed necessary after the movie sparked international outrage and led to mass violence around the world, raging for more than a week not only in Arab countries, but throughout Europe, Australia and Canada. Over the days of the protests, which turned violent at times, over 80 people were killed and hundreds were injured. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |