The Leninsky District Court of Tomsk received a criminal case against Sergei Zheleznyakov, accused of repeatedly discrediting the Russian army (Part 1 of Article 280.3 of the Criminal Code) due to publications on VKontakte. The regional IC reported this in its press release.
The Investigative Committee does not specify the name of the accused, but the indicated age of the defendant coincides with Zheleznyakov’s age. In addition, the court’s website indicates that on April 22, Zheleznyakov’s case was submitted for consideration.
The man’s criminal case became known at the end of March. The reason for his persecution was the song “We Don’t Need War” by the group “Nogu Svolo” and a video in which a man with a poster “Hug if you are against war” addresses passers-by. Zheleznyakov’s lawyer said that during his arrest he was kneed in the ribs.
A criminal case for repeated discrediting of the Russian Army can be initiated against those for whom a fine under the administrative article on discrediting the army came into force within a year before (Article 20.3.3 of the Administrative Code). In October 2022, Zheleznyakov was fined under this administrative article due to his participation in an anti-war rally.
- Since February 24, 2022—the first day of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine—residents of Russian cities have been holding anti-war protests every day and talking about the tragedy online. Anti-war speeches and statements become grounds for criminal prosecution. At the moment, more than 850 people have become defendants in criminal cases initiated due to protest against the war with Ukraine. Read more about this in our infographic .
- Article 280.3 (Public actions aimed at discrediting the armed forces of the Russian Federation) was included in the Criminal Code in March 2022 - in this way the government responded to anti-war speeches and statements, as well as the dissemination of information about the war that does not come from official Russian sources. On March 14, 2023, the State Duma adopted amendments increasing the maximum penalty under this article, since then it has been seven years in prison.