Astrakhan activist fined for insulting Putin in social network

The Leninsky District Court of Astrakhan has fined the activist, Alexei Tyurin, by 30,000 roubles for an insulting statement in a social network addressed to President of Russia. Tyurin associates his persecution with his picket against the constitutional reform.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 12, near the building of the Astrakhan Regional Duma, Alexei Tyurin held a solo picket against amending the Russian Constitution, where on that day the Duma Deputies from the "Edinaya Rossia" (United Russia) and the LDPR (Liberal-Democratic Parry of Russia) voted to approve the amendments.

The Leninsky District Court of Astrakhan found Tyurin guilty of insulting the authorities (Part 3, Article 20.1, of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses), and fined him by 30,000 roubles, said a court order, which copy the activist handed over to the "Caucasian Knot" on April 17.

Alexei Tyurin associates his persecution with his protest against the constitutional reform. "I attribute this to the fact that in March I held a solo picket near the building of the Regional Duma in protest against the amendment of the Constitution. Employees of the "Centre E" gathered my photos into case files, from which my political position is clear ... Thus, I think this is a political persecution, I don't agree with the fine and intend to appeal against the judgement," Mr Tyurin has stated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 18, 2020 at 05:58 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.