Still Running Off at the Keyboard

It is worthy of note that there are up to two million Muslims living in Moscow alone

Orthodox symbols on the Russian National Emblem gave rise to a religious dispute in Russia. The majority of Muslim leaders and scientists say that Russia should remove Orthodox symbols from the Emblem. The central image of the Emblem depicts the Orthodox Saint, Georgy Pobedonosets (Victorious Georgy), slaying a dragon. Crowns with Christian crosses adorn the heads of double eagles. Another cross can be seen on the orb, which one of the birds holds in its claws.

Russia is a secular multi-confessional state. The State Emblem of Russia should therefore reflect the variety of nations living on the territory of the country. According to the results of the latest population census, up to ten percent of Russians practice Islam. Islamic figures have recently urged the Russian government to pay attention to the issue of Orthodox symbolism on the National Emblem, for it could be referred to as a violation of human rights.

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