Russian lawmakers decline bill to prohibit witches

(MENAFN) A Russian parliamentary committee has dismissed a proposed bill that sought to ban the advertising of occult and esoteric services such as those offered by self-proclaimed witches, mediums, and alchemists, Vedomosti reported on Friday.

The bill, introduced in April by three lawmakers including Nina Ostanina—who has publicly condemned these service providers as “charlatans”—aimed to revise advertising laws and shut down websites promoting such practices.

However, the committee rejected the proposal, citing vague definitions and imprecise language that could lead to legal ambiguity and potential abuse. A government review concluded that the bill failed to differentiate between legally permitted and fraudulent services and added unnecessary and unclear terms to existing regulations.

Although the review acknowledged concerns about the rise of esoteric practices, it warned that the proposed law might infringe on individual freedoms and risk excessive government control.

Ostanina stated that the bill would be revised and discussed further with State Duma committees responsible for economic and information policies.

A 2023 survey by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTSIOM) found that most Russians have used esoteric services at some point. The center’s director, Valery Fyodorov, suggested that increasing reliance on technology—including the internet and artificial intelligence—has led to a decline in critical thinking, driving more people toward occult beliefs.

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