Social Media User Fined for Offensive Victory Day Remark in Mariansky Settlement
Individual Branding Victory Day's Celebration as "absurd" leads to One-Year Pension Deduction
A resident of the Mariansky Settlement, Krasnarmeisky District, found himself in hot water after his offensive posting regarding Victory Day, a day significant to remember the Soviet people's fight against fascism.
In May 2023, the man took to his social media page to chastise May 9th as "absurd, shameful, and a disgrace." His post also contained remarks offending those who view Victory Day as a sacred holiday.
During the trial, the pensioner claimed it was just a mistaken post, which he subsequently deleted. He also stated that he regarded Victory Day as a sacred holiday. However, the evidence presented by the Slaviansk Inter-District Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia for Krasnodar Krai proved otherwise. As reported by the press service of the Investigative Committee of Russia for Krasnodar Krai, the evidence was considered sufficient for a conviction.
The pensioner was fined an amount equal to his annual income, totaling over 176,500 rubles, as reported by the unified press service of the courts of Krasnodar Krai.
Curiously, a similar incident occurred in Anapa, where a 21-year-old resident faced fines for displaying Nazi symbolism on his Telegram channel.
Stay informed, the news here is always intriguing.
In Russia, there are specific laws regarding Nazi rehabilitation and offensive speech, particularly on social media. Offensive content comparing Putin to Hitler or equating Russian actions with Nazi invasions has been banned, with courts prohibiting such material and websites that host it. Drawing parallels between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union is also forbidden.
Violations on social media can result in administrative charges under Article 20.1 § 3 of Russia's administrative code or even criminal charges under Article 280 § 2, potentially leading to prison sentences. The Federal Security Service (FSB) and the anti-extremism center enforce these laws, often using charges related to "inciting enmity towards Russians" or "discrediting the armed forces."
These measures reflect Russia's efforts to control historical narratives and suppress any content that might tarnish its historical or political image. Both users need to be aware of these laws when expressing their opinions on social media in Russia.
In the context of Russia's strict regulations on social media content, the pornioner's offensive post about Victory Day could be seen as a violation of the country's laws against offensive speech, particularly in light of the specific laws prohibiting comparisons between Russian actions and Nazi invasions. Furthermore, this incident highlights the potential consequences of such violations, as the pensioner was fined a significant sum equal to his annual income. This is a reminder for all social media users in Russia to be cautious when expressing their opinions, as general-news, crime-and-justice, and politics are all areas where sensitive topics can lead to legal repercussions.
