Russia dismisses extremism concerns over top propagandist Simonyan’s nuclear explosion proposal
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has waved away accusations of extremism concerning controversial remarks by Margarita Simonyan, chief editor of the propagandist channel Russia Today, regarding a proposed nuclear explosion over Siberia.
Yevgeny Stupin, a deputy of the Moscow City Duma, shared the ministry’s response on Twitter, stating that Russian law enforcement found no grounds for action under the federal law “On Countering Extremist Activity.”
In a video published at the beginning of October, Simonyan suggested staging a nuclear explosion over Siberia “in defiance” of the West. Despite the alarming nature of the proposal, the Ministry of Internal Affairs found no basis for a response, saying Simonyan’s remarks were in compliance with legal standards.
Simonyan’s assertion during the video was explicit: “If we do it hundreds of kilometers away, on our own territory, somewhere over Siberia, a thermonuclear explosion, for example... A nuclear explosion. Then nothing will remain on the earth.”
However, it was note clear from Simonyan’s remarks how such an explosion would ensure the Russian army’s success in the war.
Following the controversy, Nikolai Korolyov, an assistant to Stupin, contacted Russian law enforcement about Simonyan remarks.
Notably, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin also distanced himself from Simonyan’s provocative statements.
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