Russia Declares Memes of “Putler” a Threat to National Security
In the latest twist of authoritarian censorship, Russia has officially banned online memes comparing President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler — labeling them not just offensive, but a national security threat, The Gaze reports.
The ruling, issued by the Kirovsky District Court in Omsk, claims that popular protest slogans like “Putler kaput” and photoshopped images giving Putin Hitler’s mustache and hairstyle could “incite terrorism” and “negatively affect state interests.”
Twelve websites featuring these images — including political posters, blog entries, and satirical media — were ordered blocked by Russian authorities. Among the banned content:
• A protester’s sign reading “Putler, drink poison before they offer you lead”
• A mock magazine cover showing Putin in court, styled like a Krokodil cartoon
• Screenshots from the comedy film Hitler Kaput! starring Russian actor Pavel Derevyanko
The decision came at the request of prosecutors, who argued these visuals “may encourage an undefined group to commit criminal acts” — a sweeping justification critics say criminalizes humor and dissent.
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Kremlin has tightened control over all forms of media and public speech. But comparing the president to a dictator — even jokingly — now joins a long list of forbidden speech in Russia.
Read more on The Gaze: Behind the Curtain: How Russia’s Propaganda Targets the Heart of Europe