In Russia, authorities have taken aim at a song associated with the rapper Oxxxymiron, whose real name is Miron Fedorov. The Moscow Prosecutor’s Office argued that the track embodies an ideology of violence and public justification of violent acts. This decision followed a control review and a broad linguistic and psychological assessment conducted by officials. The press secretary for the Moscow prosecutor’s office, Lyudmila Nefedova, confirmed the outcome on a Tuesday in late August, noting the procedural steps taken under the case. (TASS)
According to a law enforcement source cited in media coverage, the focus is the song Last Call, which is said to commemorate or refer to a shooting at a school. Public domain video materials linked to the track were addressed in court filings; the Moscow prosecutor’s office reportedly sent an administrative demand asking the court to classify the lyrics as extremist material. The department’s press service indicated that the internet postings of the videos are intended for informational purposes within Russia. (Interagency briefing)
Reports suggest that Oxxxymiron did not release an official music video for Last Call from 2009. A fan-made video set to a clip from the Estonian film Class (2007) addressing school violence has circulated online. This fan creation is not an official production but has become part of the public conversation around the song. (Cultural briefing)
Spiritual Warfare
In autumn 2021, concerns were voiced by Igor Anufriev, head of the department of religious education and catechism within the Perm diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. He urged authorities to block the fan-made video accompanying Last Bell after a shooting incident at Perm State University. In discussing the matter, a spokesperson for a religious news outlet described censorship as a possible safeguard in a climate described as moral conflict online. (Community commentary)
The religious official highlighted that the problematic material could influence impressionable youths who see violence glamorized or treated as heroic. He referenced social media reactions to real events, noting that praise or admiration of violent acts can affect young viewers. His remarks underscored a broader call for moderation and oversight of online content amid a contemporary culture he characterized as undergoing a spiritual conflict. (Voice of faith community)
Officials emphasized that they had not received a clear response to the complaint at the time, and they indicated that the situation has grown more intricate in recent global and domestic contexts. They argued that heightened scrutiny is warranted in an era marked by rapid online sharing and the persistence of violent imagery across platforms. (Public service update)
The broader concern is framed as a struggle within the information space, with authorities pointing to the presence of violent content and its potential to influence public perception. The discussion touches on fears about broader societal impact and the need for responsible digital citizenship in an era when threats and violent events can quickly become widely disseminated online. (Analytical summary)
In light of ongoing tensions, the security environment in Russia has become more complex. Authorities have cited events such as high-profile crimes and the broader conflict in neighboring regions to contextualize the importance of content moderation and cultural messaging. Rapprochements with public institutions, civil society groups, and faith communities are sometimes invoked to frame a shared standard for acceptable online discourse. (Contextual assessment)
Meanwhile, the Russian music scene has faced its own set of challenges. Oxxxymiron left Russia following the onset of a special military operation in Ukraine and publicly criticized actions by the Russian government. In response, the rapper organized a charity tour to assist Ukrainians affected by the conflict. The climate created by geopolitical tensions has, in turn, affected the ability of artists to stage tours across Russian venues. (Cultural and political reportage)
In parallel, artists who have voiced opposition to official policy have encountered logistical obstacles when organizing performances. An example cited in discussions involved the band Spleen, whose frontman had expressed support for artists who departed the country, a stance that coincided with broader organizational difficulties for touring after those events. (Industry commentary)
Towards the end of August, another prominent musician, Yuri Shevchuk of DDT, faced sanctions in the form of a fine—reported at 50,000 rubles—for alleged discrediting of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This case added to the ongoing climate of how state messaging intersects with artistic expression and public accountability. (Legal update)