Several hundred people gathered in front of the United States Embassy in Moscow to protest YouTube's blocking of certain Russian channels. Among the demonstrators was Shaman, a pro-Kremlin singer who has become a prominent figure at patriotic concerts organized by the Russian government.
"No One Will Ban Our Songs"
A Russian flag was projected onto the embassy walls, and the sound system played various songs, including Shaman's track "I Am Russian." The protest was organized after Shaman denounced the United States' blocking of his YouTube channel, calling the action "illegal." Shaman, a staunch supporter of Vladimir Putin, declared before the event that "no one will ban our songs."
Gatherings in Moscow are generally prohibited unless organized by the Kremlin to criticize the West. This restriction is officially justified by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as increasing repression of dissenting voices. Participants in unauthorized protests face severe penalties.
Over 200 Channels Suspended for "Propaganda"
The European Commission recently sanctioned Shaman due to his support for Russia's military offensive in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. His YouTube channel has been blocked since early July. Earlier this week, Russia demanded that Google unblock more than 200 Russian channels, suspended for "propaganda" of the Kremlin.
The Russian government frequently accuses foreign platforms of "Russophobia" and has tightened its control over the Internet since the conflict began, banning many critical sites, including Facebook and Instagram.
