The Russian Interior Ministry has launched criminal proceedings against a resident of Russia’s Amur region for “discrediting the Russian army” in a first-ever repeat offence case under this law in Russia.
The ministry’s department for the Amur region reports that the man was previously hit with a 45,000-ruble (about $700) fine after the police filed administrative charges against him for “discrediting” the Russian military. The prosecution claims that he continued his social media activity following the fine, publishing about a dozen posts criticising Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This was brought to the attention of local police officers.
The 53-year-old man has a criminal record: he served time in prison for “slandering the judge”, contempt of court and obstruction of justice. He is currently serving a 15-day administrative sentence for “demonstration of Nazi symbols,” the police reports. He now faces up to 3 years behind bars.