Actor Alexey Panin faces criminal charges for justifying terrorism over post about Crimean Bridge explosion

The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case against actor Alexei Panin under the article on public justification of terrorism, TASS reports, citing law enforcement agencies. The article provides for up to seven years of imprisonment.

According to the agency, the basis for the case was the actor's statements "justifying the terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge." The Baza Telegram channel clarifies that this is about Panin's post, in which he wrote that he "cannot hide his joy" from the explosion on the Crimean Bridge.

The Mash Telegram channel writes that a search was conducted at the actor's registered address. At the same time, the channel claims that Panin left Russia a long time ago, having sold his apartment before leaving. According to Baza, the actor left for Spain in 2020.

• Alexey Panin starred in the film "Zhmurki" by Alexey Balabanov and in the TV series "Soldiers". In 2003, he was awarded the State Prize. After the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the actor repeatedly made anti-war statements.
• In 2015, a case was opened against Panin in Ukraine on charges of “attempting to undermine the integrity” of the country, since after the annexation of Crimea he spoke out in support of the actions of the Russian government. Panin subsequently apologized to Ukrainians for this position and admitted that Russia had unleashed “an unnecessary war.”