No civilized society can have anti-blasphemy laws. The two cannot
coexist. It's literally impossible. Russia doesn't seem to know this, or
rather, is hell-bent on establishing a theocratic government to stifle
all dissent. (Hat tip to Ed Brayton.)
Nilov said a proposed amendment would introduce criminal responsibility for offences against religious beliefs and feelings and impose a jail term of up to three years.Putin has always seen himself as a dictator. Now he's bringing this fantasy to life. I pity the Russians if this comes to pass.
Putin, in recent comments on Pussy Riot, the global protests over the video “The Innocence of Muslims” and the killings of Islamic leaders in Russia, has said that extremists were trying to tear Russia apart and that the feelings of the faithful must be protected by the state.