Sochi activist fined for discrediting army

A court in Sochi has fined Vyacheslav Chistoserdov, a local activist, by 30,000 roubles under the article on discrediting the Russian Armed Forces because he had spread leaflets condemning the special operation in Ukraine. Chistoserdov has disagreed with the fine and is appealing against it at a higher court.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 5, Vyacheslav Chistoserdov, a resident of Sochi, reported that his house had been searched in connection with a case of telephone terrorism. According to his version, a protocol was drawn up against him under the article on discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, as he was suspected of making leaflets condemning the special operation in Ukraine.

At the trial, according to Chistoserdov, only he, the judge and the secretary were present. "I received a fine of 30,000 roubles and the ruling (a copy thereof is at the disposal of the "Caucasian Knot"). My advocate has prepared an appeal to a higher court; then I plan to apply to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)," Mr Chistoserdov has explained.

According to his story, the appeal claims that he refuses to plead guilty and has committed no actions that could discredit the Russian Army.

However, he has no hope that his motion against the court ruling will be satisfied; therefore, he is ready to immediately file a complaint with the ECtHR; and should the harassment continue, he will emigrate for political motives.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 26, 2022 at 02:58 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.