Russia criminalises Qur’an desecration as Putin warns of severe punishment for offenders Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a zero-tolerance stance on the desecration of religious texts, warning that offenders will face stiff penalties as Russia formally criminalises the burning of the Qur’an and other sacred books. Speaking during a policy briefing in Moscow, Putin said acts such as Qur’an burning are provocations that threaten public order and interfaith harmony, stressing that the Russian state will show “no mercy” to individuals found guilty under the new legal provisions. READ ALSO: Russia threatens total...