Zombies have been a part of pop culture for decades, their relentless hunt for human blood sending shivers down the spines of horror fanatics across the globe.
But, in the world of fiction, it appears the walking dead spare no man – even someone as powerful as Vladimir Putin.
A seemingly innocent book about an infected pink mouse caught in a zombie apocalypse has spooked the Kremlin, resulting in its ban across the Russian Federation.
Why? The rose-hued rodent, it turns out, escapes from a Russian institute working on a serum to make President Putin immortal.
The book has since been accused of spreading false messages about acts of terrorism, with Russia‘s general prosecutor demanding it be removed from sale on the grounds that it threatens public order.
A screenshot of the demand condemns the novel for posing a ‘threat of harm to the life and health of citizens, property,’ and could disrupt the functioning of critical infrastructure, including banks and transport systems.
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Publisher Georgy Urushadze confirmed that authorities are seeking to ban the book within Russia, according to The Times.
In a sarcastic Facebook post, Urushadze expressed mixed emotions, stating, ‘I’m sorry, comrades, but as a literary-centred person I am very glad. In no other country does literature have such power. Banks are in danger!’
Filippov, a Russian journalist residing in Georgia, noted that the book had temporarily vanished from Ozon, one of Russia’s largest online shops, after complaints from nationalist “Z” bloggers.
Filippov, who runs a Telegram channel opposing Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, was one of several journalists who were designated as foreign agents in April.
He insists said the book adheres to Russian laws, features a foreign agent disclaimer on its front cover, did not violate extremism laws and carries an 18+ rating on Ozon.
Despite complying with legal standards, “Mouse” has faced backlash from Putin’s supporters, particularly for its depiction of real figures such as propaganda chief Margarita Simonyan and Patriarch Kirill meeting untimely deaths.
The book had been enjoying significant success, according to Filippov, until the recent crackdown.
Boris Akunin, a renowned Russian novelist based in London, criticised the authorities’ decision, stating they have ‘completely lost their minds’ in banning a book they irrationally consider a threat.
Online book retailers, including BABook and Ekho Books, have received demands from Roskomnadzor, the communications watchdog, to stop selling “Mouse.”
In an act of defiance, BABook announced: ‘With enormous pleasure, we will not fulfil this demand. Let them block us. That will be interesting.’
Alternatively, Ekho Books has responded to the demand by providing a link for customers to buy the book rather than selling it directly.
Meanwhile, Russian intelligence services have once again set their eyes on the US election in an attempt to install ex President Donald Trump in the White House, a new report alleges.
Several US officials with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in Washington confirmed the existence of the Russian plan when speaking to The Wall Street Journal.
