Although the country’s law forbids displaying the symbols in public, a local circus included in its appearance a monkey in a Nazi uniform and goats wrapped in flags with a swastika • Following the review, the photos were removed from local media sites and authorities opened an investigation
N12
| Published 13/01/21 18:10
Nazi symbols displayed in circus – investigation opened in Russia: A circus performance that took place in the city of Izhevsk a few days ago, led to outrage among many surfers who were exposed on the nets to the sight of a monkey dressed in Nazi and goat uniforms with flags and swastikas on them.
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Although the law in Russia in most cases prohibits the display of Nazi symbols, last year President Vladimir Putin signed an exception to the law that applies to cases where the symbols are presented negatively. During the show the audience watched a picker marching alongside his trainer and goats wrapped in flags with a swastika on them.
The local Orthodox Church, which organized the show, was quick to respond in the face of harsh reactions, claiming it was a “global condemnation of Nazi Germany.” The church clarified that “you must understand that circus art is entertainment and there is nothing surprising in the fact that these pictures are of an ironic nature.”
The images that quickly spread across the web were eventually removed, after many surfers voiced criticism. The circus’s public relations manager was not thrilled and told the BBC: “The pictures of the animals have been taken out of context. There is nothing unusual about the ironic figures appearing in the circus.”