Russia 'South Park' case dropped

2X2 in the clear for airing toon series

By NICK HOLDSWORTH

MOSCOW -- A Russian court has dropped the case against adult cartoon channel 2X2 for screening the series "South Park," which religious groups allege stirs up national hatred.

The case was brought last year by the Russian Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith, which said one episode -- "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics," broadcast in early January -- "insulted the feelings of religious believers and incited religious and national hatred."

The group was particularly concerned about the potential impact of the skein on younger viewers.

Under Russian law, it is an offense to broadcast any material that "abases national dignity" or incites hatred between religious or ethnic groups. After months of consideration, central Moscow Basmanny district court found in favor of the channel.

On Monday, the religious group vowed to fight on.

The channel is part of billionaire Vladimir Potanin's ProfMedia. A spokesman for 2X2 declined to comment.

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