Read this astonishing piece about the new marketing strategy of Donskoy Tabak OJSC.
These bastards are running a targeted campaign to promote smoking among teenage girls. Unfortunately, in Russia it is impossible to bring any serious legal claims against them. In Europe, and even more so in the United States, these “Donskoy tobacco people” would be torn apart. Though hardly anyone there would dare run advertising like this—not even because of fear of lawsuits, but because they would not want to face public opinion on the issue. In Russia, Donskoy Tabak doesn’t give a damn about public opinion. And the state stands behind them. No wonder: the owner of “DT” is Ivan Ignatyevich Savvidi, a prominent member of the Party of Crooks and Thieves (a derogatory nickname for the ruling United Russia party).
Here is United Russia member Savvidi’s personal website: ● In 2000, we were choosing not Putin, but our present and our future—that is, a man who proposed the most acceptable path of development for that time and place, a man capable of calming divisive sentiments. And he succeeded. In 2008, by supporting Medvedev’s candidacy, Russians chose the path of stable development for our country—Russia as a strong and prosperous power that must and should be reckoned with. Member of the Party of Crooks and Thieves Savvidi is not satisfied with the money he has made from adults’ lung cancer. He wants 13-year-old girls to buy their future lung cancer from him too—so they can live to the rhythm of PLAY. With that money he will once again buy himself a place on the Party of Crooks and Thieves electoral list, and he will not care what you think about his advertising. When, during the election campaign, you see United Russia TV ads about supporting healthcare and sports, remember this cigarette ad aimed at children: if it’s not allowed, but you really want to, then you can.*