In search of heresy, the Fundamental Law of the country is being violated.
About a third of the library fund in Yekaterinburg will have to be removed due to changes in legislation — this concerns books purchased in the 1990s with funds from the Soros Foundation. This was reported by the director of the municipal library association, Irina Cheremisina, at a city council meeting.
According to her, a significant portion of the fund is affected — about 30% of all books. Moreover, the problem concerns not only Yekaterinburg but also other regions of Russia.
The situation is exacerbated by a lack of new publications: libraries are already experiencing a shortage of books, and there are no funds in the budget for replenishing the collections, noted acting head of the culture department, Elena Sokolova.
The Soros Foundation operated in Russia until the early 2000s and was declared an "undesirable organization" in 2015.
Censorship in Russia is now total, despite the fact that it is officially prohibited (according to Article 29 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation). The system is maintained through strict criminal articles, mass blockages, and a wide network of laws covering media, the internet, culture, and everyday life.
Main Elements of Censorship:
Military censorship. Any information about military actions, expenditures, or troop movements that differs from the official position of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is strictly prosecuted. Articles on "fake news" (Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and "discrediting" (Article 280.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) are actively used for the criminal prosecution of citizens and journalists.
Internet and media. Roskomnadzor massively blocks websites of independent media, human rights organizations, and social networks. From 2024, there will be a ban in Russia on promoting means to bypass blockages (VPN). Official media and resources have imposed a ban on publishing footage of drone strikes and the consequences of attacks.
The institution of "foreign agents" and "undesirable organizations." Individuals and organizations recognized as foreign agents face strict professional restrictions and are required to label all their materials. Cooperation with "undesirable organizations" threatens criminal charges.
Culture and art. Works by authors recognized as "foreign agents" are removed from sale and libraries. Strict legislation prohibiting "LGBT propaganda" and "gender transition propaganda" is in effect. Films, performances, and music tracks undergo strict editing and censorship (including the use of neural networks) for "propaganda of prohibited substances."
Self-censorship. Due to vague formulations in the laws (for example, regarding "extremism" or "offending the feelings of believers"), many publishers, directors, and ordinary citizens are forced to resort to self-censorship out of fear of administrative or criminal punishment.
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