Atheist faces a year in prison for saying 'there is no God' during an argument over social media in Russia
A Russian atheist who said 'there is no God' in a row on social media could be sentenced to a year in prison. Viktor Krasnov, 38, is facing the punishment for the messages he posted on European social networking site Vk.com, his lawyer said. In the messages, published in 2014, Krasnov said: 'If I say that the collection of Jewish fairytales entitled the Bible is complete bulls***, that is that. At least for me.' He later added: 'There is no God!'
The authorities became aware of the comments when another online user involved in the dispute contacted them. The user claimed Krasnov had 'offended the sentiments of Orthodox believers'. Krasnov's lawyer Pavel Chikov, a human-rights activist, said the messages had now been deleted. Mr Chikov said his client's was an atheist who challenged prevailing customs.
Russia's Investigative Committee - the equivalent of the FBI - charged Krasnov, who is now on trial in his native city of Stavropol, in southern Russia. Krasnov was forced to undergo month-long psychiatric checks during the investigation. Doctors declared him sane, according to anti-government news website Grani.ru.
In an interview with the site, Krasnov said: 'I don't know how you can treat social networking posts seriously. 'Looks like we need a law to protect atheists' feelings too.' Krasnov and Chikov have not been available for comment. The trial follows dozens of people facing criminal persecution for their online posts in Russia. Human rights watchdog, Freedom House, downgraded Russia's 'Freedom on the Net' rating from 'free' to 'non-free' last year.
Charges against Krasnov were filed in the Autumn and his trial began on Monday. Authorities have been able to go after atheists and anti-government groups for 'offending believers' feelings' since it was criminalised in Russia after punk band Pussy Riot's performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior in 2012. Two band members were controversially jailed that year for performing an anti-Vladimir Putin song at the cathedral.
