This year’s Halloween was the first since the Russian Supreme Court recognized the “international satanism movement” as an extremist organization.
Shortly before October 31, state media began circulating comments by lawyer Oleg Zernov, who warned about possible administrative liability for the “display of extremist symbols.”
The reference was to Article 20.3 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offenses. It provides for a fine of 1,000 to 2,000 rubles or administrative detention for up to 15 days.
“Propaganda or public display of the symbols of movements and organizations banned in Russia entails liability, and satanism is no exception here. In this regard, when using costumes and other Halloween attributes, it is better to avoid symbols that may be associated with satanism, for example pentagrams. Pumpkins and bats are not symbols of satanism, but it is better to limit yourself to celebrating National Unity Day and spend the long weekend with loved ones rather than at a police station,” the lawyer told RIA Novosti.
Against the backdrop of the court’s new ruling, discussion of Halloween in state media this year was therefore accompanied by warnings about which elements of festive imagery could be interpreted as prohibited symbols.