Russians Oppose Cartoons Satirizing Religion

85 percent of Russians are certain that gods, prophets and saints must not be depicted in a grotesque, caricature form. Such is the result of an opinion poll conducted by the "Public Opinion" Foundation. Only 6 percent of respondents think the opposite.

When asked about the scandal over the cartoons satirizing the Prophet Muhammad that have been published in the European press, 63 percent of respondents condemned these publications, most of them being highly educated people, senior citizens and residents of big cities. 13 percent of respondents see nothing objectionable in the publication of the cartoons.

As has been reported, on February 16 a Russian newspaper also published a cartoon on a religious theme. The drawing published by the newspaper depicted Jesus Christ, Moses, Buddha and Prophet Muhammad sadly watching a TV program showing two opposing crowds of protesters throwing stones at each other. The caption to the cartoon reads: "But that's not we taught them…"

At present the regional prosecutor's office is conducting an inquiry into the facts of the matter. The newspaper has been closed down.