Simpsons Banned in Russia

Russian television channel 2×2 will bow to state pressure on September 22nd when it removes The Simpsons from Russian television screens for the forseeable future, or maybe even for good.

The Simpsons is just one of twelve shows which the Russian government believe to be extremist and harmful to children, calling for their removal from the channel after complaints from Russian religious fundamentalist groups. Roman Sarkisov, 2×2’s general director, announced that the channel would be appealing complaints against them via court. Unless these cases are won by the 2×2 channel, these shows will never resume.

“Family Guy”, “South Park”, MTV’s “Drawn Together” and “Angry Kid” will also be removed.

The cartoons “promote violence and cruelty, pornography, anti-social behavior, abound with scenes of mayhem, the infliction of physical and ethical suffering, and are aimed at invoking fear, panic and terror in children,” said the Russian prosecutors.

The channel has responded to the charges by gathering signatures in support of its broadcasts. The management has also received official approval to hold several demonstrations, and will hold a free concert to raise awareness of the issue in St. Petersburg on September 22nd.