In Orel, a criminal investigation was completed under the article on the desecration of symbols of Russian military glory by prior conspiracy (Part 4 of Article 354.1 of the Criminal Code) due to the painted over letter Z and a pro-war slogan against two residents of Orel, Stepan Sitnik and Alexander Kulakov. Information about this appeared on the website of the local Investigative Committee.
According to investigators, Sitnik painted over with white paint the image of the St. George ribbon in the shape of the letter Z, as well as the slogan “#WeDon’t Abandon Our Own,” placed on the wall of the Metallurg cultural and leisure center. At the same time, he asked Kulakov to “observe the surrounding situation” and film the painting process on a mobile phone - this the investigators considered a preliminary conspiracy.
The initiation of the case became known in October 2023. Sitnik and Kulakov are under recognizance not to leave. Their case was sent to court for consideration on the merits.
The St. George ribbon and its images were officially recognized as a symbol of military glory in December 2022. Changes in legislation have allowed security forces to initiate criminal cases against those who, in their opinion, “desecrate” this symbol.
- After the start of the war in Ukraine, the Russian authorities began to react sharply to protest sentiments. The list of articles under which those who oppose the war are prosecuted is quite wide. Those involved in “anti-war cases” are often charged with hooliganism, vandalism, violence against government officials, and other violations. A significant element of pressure was also the articles introduced into the Criminal Code after the outbreak of hostilities - the spread of “fakes” about the Russian army and discrediting the armed forces.
- At the moment, more than 950 people have become defendants in criminal cases initiated due to protest against the war with Ukraine. Read more about this in our infographic .