Russia Warns Media Outlets: Illegal to Print Charlie Hebdo Cartoons

The Russian government has issued a warning to state media outlets that it is illegal to repost the Charlie Hebdo cartoons and will be punished if they do.

Media outlets were all sent the same letter, posted on Facebook by one Russian news editor. Here’s what it roughly says in English (via Google Translate):

“We inform you concerning the terrorist attack position Roskomnadzora January 7, 2015 in Paris: – accommodation in any media caricatures of the religious figures unacceptable; – placing online media links to other media materials (including foreign), copyright material justifying these events, caricatures of religious figures will be considered as a violation of Roscomnadzor Federal Law “On Countering Extremist Activity” and make appropriate warning . Sincerely, Acting Head of Department for the protection of the rights of subjects of personal data, the Supervision of Mass Communications and Information Technology Office Roskomnadzora for Kamchatka region Smetankina Maria V. (4152) 49-01-77 “

One Russian official confirmed the authenticity of the letter to Mashable, though they claim it was not meant as a warning to anyone.

[image via conejola/Shutterstock]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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