USCIRF Releases Report on Russia’s Blasphemy Enforcement

USCIRF Releases Report on Russia’s Blasphemy Enforcement

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following report: 

Prosecuting Blasphemy in Russia – Russia has intensified its enforcement of laws targeting perceived offensive expression toward religion, religious texts, and religious leaders. The Criminal Code penalizes “insulting the religious feelings of believers,” a vague, undefined standard that constitutes a blasphemy law. Following its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the government hardened its policing of speech. While certain offensive statements and actions may warrant public rebuke, prosecuting perceived offensive expressions regarding religion violates the right to freedom of religion or belief. This report provides an overview of blasphemy law enforcement in Russia and highlights recent cases. 

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State redesignate Russia as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. In 2024, USCIRF released several thematic reports, including on religious sites in armed conflict, misinformation and disinformation, and the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses, that spotlighted Russia’s religious freedom violations.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].