Nizhny Novgorod, June 30, 2011
|
Claim amount is 4 million rubles, a court representative told Interfax.
Late in 2007, a group of Orthodox believers accused "Coca-Cola" in spreading "blasphemous advertisement insulting religious feelings and humiliating national dignity."
They were outraged by an advertisement on fridges showing Nizhny Novgorod historical sites: cupolas of Nizhny Novgorod churches, monument to Minin and Pozharsky and a warning bell were depicted inside a "Coca-Cola" bottle. The believers were especially disturbed as according to them they saw "intentionally" overturned pics of "church crosses."
The citizens addressed the regional prosecutor's office, the regional head administration and the ruling archbishop asking to "remove blasphemous advertisement and institute criminal proceedings against the company top managers for inciting religious hostility and humiliating national dignity."
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola representatives in Nizhny Novgorod say that "depicting architectural sites at trade equipment and packs the company demonstrates its position on protecting cultural heritage." Besides, the photos were coordinated with Nizhny Novgorod administration.
In 2008, Coca-Cola decided to meet believers' demands and change religious depictions for others.
