The Yekaterinburg police explained which actions fall under the definition of "extremism."

      Yekaterinburg police explained which actions fall under the concept of "extremism"

      September 23, 2025

      If the term "terrorism" is clear to everyone, not everyone can explain the meaning of the word "extremism." For most young people, both concepts are something abstract and seemingly unlikely. The Yekaterinburg police explained how to behave so as not to get into trouble with the law.

      Photo: "Refugees, welcome" sticker from the "Antifa" movement, designated as terrorist in the USA. piqsels.com

      Extremism is adherence to extreme views and actions that reject the norms and rules existing in society. Extremism can manifest in various spheres of human life. There are ethnic (based on nationality), political, religious, economic, sexual, and interpersonal types. Aggression is the weapon of extremism.

      Extremist actions may include hooliganism, vandalism, desecration of burial sites, the public display of Nazi symbols, the dissemination of related materials, and the public incitement of national or racial hostility.

      This also includes placing graffiti if its content is extremist in nature.

      Extremism can be exhibited by an individual, groups of people, or entire societies. Terrorism is the extreme form of extremism that threatens the lives and health of citizens.

      If battery (committed in the course of a conflict) is punishable only by a fine, then the same act, committed on the grounds of political, ideological, racial, national, or religious hatred or enmity, or out of hatred or enmity toward any social group, is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years.

      If the threat of murder or causing grievous bodily harm is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years (part 1 of Article 119 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), then the same act, committed on the grounds of political, ideological, racial, national, or religious hatred or enmity, or out of hatred or enmity toward any social group, is punishable by imprisonment for a term of two to five years.

      By posting extremist materials (these may be photos, videos, slogans) on a social network, a person gives their actions a public character, since the Internet is a public place.

      The police are constantly carrying out work to prevent extremism — the Internet space is monitored both with the help of specialized programs and personally by officers through viewing social media pages.

      "Monitoring of the entire Internet space is being carried out. If information of an extremist nature is identified regarding the person on whose page it was posted, an investigation is conducted," said the press office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Yekaterinburg.

      Teenagers are recruited into extremist and terrorist organizations via the Internet. Before initiating contact for subsequent recruitment into an extremist group, recruiters may study social media pages.

      "It is a treasure trove for psychoanalysis and for the initial selection of personalities more suitable for recruitment. Recruiters, in their communication and interaction (first virtual, then real) with a potential candidate, probe their weak spots," the police note.

      First and foremost, to avoid falling under the influence of extremists, you should:

      - Limit access to your photos, posts, and other materials; do not join unclear or suspicious groups; avoid being too candid in public groups and forums; act cautiously.

      - When discussing personal stories, use a pseudonym or write in the third person, for example, "I want some advice, my acquaintance had such a case..."

      - Be cautious when a new acquaintance reaches out; don't accept everyone as a friend; find out who they are and where they're from. If you receive a message of unclear content from an unknown number, don't reply.

      - Develop the skill of observation; ask questions — "why are you telling me this?", "what do you want this for?". Don't believe simple, flashy promises.

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