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The Thought Show: Russian Extremism Memes

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Arrested for Saving Memes in Russia

20/09/2018 GMT

Russian Extremism Memes

BBC World Service - The Thought Show, Russian Extremism Memes

Why are some Russians being placed on extremist watch lists for posting memes?

Why are some Russians being placed on extremist watch lists for posting memes?  Are you more chimp or Neanderthal? Plus, the importance of fathers for their sons.

Why are some Russians put on extremist watch lists for saving or posting memes online? Maria Motuznaya was investigated by police after saving edgy memes on her account on the social network VKontakte. Hundreds of Russians are being targeted for using memes declared to be racist, offensive or against the Russian Orthodox Church. People on the list have their bank account frozen and some face criminal charges. Will a blogger’s campaign make a difference?  
Are you more chimp or Neanderthal? We often hear scientists talking about how we are related but what’s the difference between 96% similarity and sharing 20% of our DNA, and do some of us literally have pieces of Neanderthal within us? Tim Harford talks to Peter Donnelly, Professor of Statistical Science at the University of Oxford. 
Why is the relationship between fathers and sons so important?  Nastaran Tavakoli-Far investigates.


(Photo: A pair of hands in handcuffs hold a mobile phone showing the VKontakte website. Credit: Anton Vaganov/Interpress/TASS)

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