Children's military IDs, Frankenstein monuments, and the new life of singer Shaman: #ShameReview from "NotMoscow"
In the latest edition of the traditional #ShameReview column, the NeMoskva editorial team has compiled the most absurd and scandalous news stories from Russia's regions. We cover children's military ID cards in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Shaman's burned pants, and the verbal attacks of the State Duma speaker.
Volodin's aggression and a photo exhibition about Crimea in Moscow
State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin publicly spoke out against anti-war Russians who have fled the country and are being prosecuted by security forces on administrative and criminal charges. As a reminder, the authorities had recently stripped these citizens of their basic rights. The official then launched an insulting attack on his compatriots, calling them "foreign agents," "extremists," "terrorists," "criminals," "traitors to the motherland," "scoundrels," and "degenerates."
Moreover, the propaganda agenda has also spread to the capital's center. An outdoor photo exhibition, "Crimean Gold: 'Civilized' Europe Plunders Russian Treasures," has officially opened on Gogolevsky Boulevard in Moscow. Specifically, the exhibition's creators earnestly assert that unique ancient artifacts found in Crimea are "illegally held by the Kyiv regime with the support of its European patrons."
Shaman's performance and Shenderovich's reaction to the monument in the Samara region
Meanwhile, Z-singer Shaman burned his famous leather pants in a Russian stove to demonstrate to the public his final rejection of his former image. Dressed in regular jeans, the performer made a pompous statement:
"Today I will forever say goodbye to what has generated envy, controversy, rumors, and doubt for years. A new Shaman awaits you."
However, scandals surrounding war memorials provoke far greater public outrage. A controversial monument to members of the "SVO" was erected by authorities in the Samara village of Bezenchuk. The grotesque 2-million-ruble sculpture of two soldiers sparked a riot among local residents, who called the monument a mockery. Officials from the Bezenchuk district administration urgently announced that "the monument is undergoing renovation, and there has been no official unveiling."
However, the famous satirical writer Viktor Shenderovich drew attention to the dark symbolism of the toponym itself from Russian classics:
"I wouldn't have paid any attention to this news, but the village is called Bezenchuk. Which, in the context of the monument to the heroes of the SVO, directly references the profession of the eponymous character and the competing "Nymph"... Putin added jobs for undertakers."
Crosses for children from the Russian Orthodox Church and military ID cards at a children's camp in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.
Moreover, some strange initiatives were voiced by church representatives. Bishop Silouan of Pavlovo Posad spoke about the permissibility of tattoos for believers. He cited the practice of Coptic Christians as the only worthy example:
"This is the image of a cross on the wrist. This is something religious parents do to their young children so that in the event of a terrorist attack or the death of their children, it would be clear that they are Christians. It is the indelible seal of Christianity."
Consequently, the militarization of the younger generation has reached the Siberian regions. Schoolchildren from the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra were invited to a military-sports tent camp called "Spetsnaz Children." Tooltip: NeMoskva readers living in the area noticed the corresponding contextual advertising on state media websites.
Ultimately, the minors are offered accommodation in 16-person army tents with meals provided by a field kitchen. For 36,5 rubles, the "new recruits" are given a special forces beret, a camouflage uniform with name patches, and a special military ID. To enter the camp, the children and their parents must first pass a psychological readiness test.
