Russia and Free Speech

        Russia does not have a single publication that is truly independent, while the authorities directly control about 80 percent of Russia's mass-media outlets. In fact, public television and radio are entirely state-run. Recently, three women from a music group call "Pussy Riot" were found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison for performing a song styled as a prayer for the ouster of President Vladimir Putin. Experts say the case weakens freedom of speech in Russia. Analysts also say this trial and sentencing is proof that the Russian government will continue with attempts to silence political dissent in the future. Additionally, President Vladimir Putin and ordered the video, “The Innocence of Muslims” banned. Putin announced he is pushing for an anti-blasphemy law on “insulting religions and people religious sentiment.” The State of Duma considers theses actions as threats and must be countered. “All these actions are aimed at destabilizing the centuries-old spiritual and moral foundations of Russia, discrediting traditional values and, in essence, serve to ignite civil strife and undermine the country's sovereignty," the Duma resolution said.

        Historically, restrictions on freedom of speech has been around since Imperial Russia during the 1800s. Tsar Alexander III (1881–1894) believed that Russia could be saved from chaos only by shutting itself off from the subversive influences of Western Europe. The tsar's most influential adviser was Konstantin Pobedonostsev, tutor to Alexander III. He taught his royal pupils to fear freedom of speech and press and to hate democracy, constitutions, and the parliamentary system. In addition, collaboration between religious and political institution existed in the pre-revolutionary history of the Russian church. The church’s history as a tool of the governing authority goes back at least to the time of Peter the Great (early 18th century) who incorporated the church into the administrative structure of an absolutist state, with him at the top.

        Is democracy possible without freedom of speech? No, but does that mean that there will be no democracy in Russia? A democracy with flaws accurately describes Russia in a fair manner. Russia may have the institutions that make up a democracy, but it cannot be a democracy until those institutions are allowed to function in a democratic manner. In the case of freedom on speech, mass media is a vital aspect and its corruption and manipulation by the government obscures the path to democracy. For this reason, legal state financing of the mass media based on an open, equal, monitored distribution of funds will decrease corruption and strengthen and allow freedom of speech.