There is no censorship in Russia – culture minister

(Interfax – November 23, 2012) Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky said there is no censorship in Russia.

“There are no restrictions. There is no censorship in any form. And you won’t believe it, this outraged many people,” Medinsky told a briefing held in the Russian Foreign Ministry, a video of which has been posted on YouTube.

“Three of every four letters I get via the Internet, Twitter, and in writing begin with the words ‘When will you stop this and shut down this or that television program,'” the minister said.

Medinsky said the Culture Ministry has no relation to television and is not responsible for this area.

Responding to a question about his attitude to Pussy Riot, Medinsky said the women were convicted as hooligans, not artists. “They are no relation to art, modern, antique, or any art at all,” the minister said.

Medinsky earlier said the most popular question he is asked in the Internet and on Twitter is about cancellation of the television program Dom 2.