Reports from an online blogger known as BadComedian, whose real name is Evgeny Bazhenov, claim that Roskomnadzor blocked him on social networks after he inquired about the suppression of Stepan Burnashev’s film titled “Aita.” The blogger shared these developments on his Telegram channel, noting that the restriction appeared to be tied to his questions about the film and the ministry’s stance. Bazhenov questioned whether Roskomnadzor possesses the tools to perform meaningful analysis of dialogue and cinematic content, suggesting that the agency may have broader, punitive motives rather than a clear, evidence-based policy.
He criticized what he described as a rhetorically aggressive defense of censorship, accusing state “defenders” of using the pretext of protecting the public to ban individuals at will while generating compensation for those actions. His remarks questioned the necessity of a public-facing page if the organization operates in a manner that leads to blocking and silencing without transparent justification. He also referenced Roskomnadzor’s VKontakte page, lamenting his inability to access it, which he framed as part of a larger pattern of restricted information and limited channels for response.
On September 19, authorities announced that Roskomnadzor had appealed to the owners of Russian audiovisual platforms, often referred to as ABC, requesting the removal of the film “Aita.” Officials described the film as a major example of nationalism presented through a narrative that, in their view, promotes damaging stereotypes. The ministry asserted that the film distributes content that undermines the unity of the country’s diverse peoples by portraying clear disparities in character traits across national groups. According to the agency, one nation’s positive attributes are contrasted with negative depictions of characters from another nationality, which they argue fuels social division.
The plot centers on Aita, a high school student who is the daughter of a hunting inspector named Ayaal. The story unfolds after a party with classmates, during which Aita attempts suicide. A note found in the mother’s pocket reads: “Afonya, I hate you.” The only person with this name in the village is a Russian police officer who had previously dropped Aita off at her home. The story takes a darker turn when Aita dies in the hospital, and it becomes known that she is pregnant, amplifying the emotional and ethical tensions within the community and raising questions about responsibility, guilt, and cultural conflict.
Additionally, the perspective of Milokhin’s former stepfather touched on broader concerns about the treatment of bloggers in Russia, highlighting the chilling effect that enforcement actions can have on independent voices online. This point underscores the ongoing debate about freedom of expression, state oversight, and the balance between safeguarding national unity and protecting individual rights in a society undergoing rapid social and political changes.