Religious Intolerance In Russia

[Kromovaracun]

So it seems that the Russian Orthodox Church has been heavily complicit in the recent wave of aggression from the Russian state. Alongside the better-publicised law against "homosexual propaganda", a law was quietly passed outlawing blasphemy:

http://www.secularism.org.uk/news/2013/06/russian-parliament-passes-new-blasphemy-law-as-protesters-call-for-secular-state

Shortly afterwards, a panel has been set up by members of the church (with the endorsement of the Russian state) ostensibly to combat "atheist extremism":
http://rt.com/politics/atheist-extremism-russia-fight-789/

This situation resulted in an attack on a tiny demonstration by Pastafarians (members of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster) in Petersburg - several of the protesters were attacked by the police force, arrested and are due in court.

Why has this aspect of the events in Russia gone relatively unreported? Do any of our resident theists view laws against blasphemy as desirable?

[Octavius]

Why has this aspect of the events in Russia gone relatively unreported?

Probably because of the situations in Egypt and Syria.

Do any of our resident theists view laws against blasphemy as desirable?

Not that I can think of. If extremist atheism involves vandalism and hooliganism (as it seems from your link), then there are other laws to enact. General peaceful protest is just that and should be permissable - even in Russia.

[naomi24]

This has been discussed here – but it is surely not religious intolerance, rather intolerance of criticism of religion.

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Society-and-Culture/Religion-and-Spirituality/Question1264127.html

[modeller]

The Russian orthodox church learnt during the Tsarist and the Communist era that co-operation with the state is the way to stay in business. The state in turn realised the value of keeping the church on side. I notice Putin is frequently seen in church.

Having said that all countries in the world have done that for thousands of years it's only the degree of co-operation that changes. Its hypocrisy on a grand scale.