Volgograd activist challenges fine for discrediting Russian Armed Forces

Today, Tamara Grodnikova has filed a complaint to the court of cassation against the first instance court’s decision to fine her 30,000 roubles for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. In her complaint, the activist pointed out that the posters she was holding in her hand during a picket mentioned only the blocking of the media and did not express any opinion about the actions of the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Tamara Grodnikova has repeatedly held solo pickets. Among other things, the activist voices the demands to stop pressure on independent media and release political prisoners. She also criticizes the authorities. In March, Tamara Grodnikova was fined 30,000 roubles for holding a similar picket and filed an appeal against the court’s decision. On June 2, the Volgograd Regional Court upheld the decision on the fine. The amount of the fine is three of her pensions, the activist notes.

Tamara Grodnikova says that today, she has filed complaints to the Fourth Cassation Court of General Jurisdiction against the decisions of the Central District Court of Volgograd and the Volgograd Regional Court. “I believe that I did not violate Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, that is, I did not commit any public actions aimed at discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. At a picket, I spoke against the blocking of independent and international media, as I believe that the blocking of the media limits the possibility of obtaining information,” the activist told the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

In her cassation appeal (the “Caucasian Knot” has been provided with a copy), Tamara Grodnikova has pointed out that during the solo pickets, her posters did not evaluate the actions of the Russian Armed Forces.

Tamara Grodnikova has added that she defended herself at all stages of the trial.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 6, 2022 at 02:52 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.