Russia designates International Satanist Movement as terrorist organization PHOTO

The Russian government has officially designated the International Satanist Movement as a terrorist and extremist organization, intensifying its crackdown on groups it deems ideologically subversive.

The Federal Financial Monitoring Service of the Russian Federation (Rosfinmonitoring) added the group to its national list of terrorists and extremists, according to an update published in the agency’s official database, Caliber.Az reports.

As a result of the designation, all Russian financial institutions are now legally obligated to freeze the assets of individuals and entities associated with the movement and to suspend any financial services provided to them. These measures are in accordance with federal laws governing counterterrorism and anti-extremism efforts in Russia.

The move follows a decision by the Supreme Court of Russia in July, which classified the International Satanist Movement as an extremist organization and prohibited its activities throughout the country. The ruling, now reinforced by Rosfinmonitoring's financial sanctions, effectively criminalizes participation in or support for the group on Russian soil.

By Vafa Guliyeva