A Moscow court has imposed a 50,000-ruble ($560) fine on a TV presenter and actress for her social media posts that were deemed to discredit the military. The presenter, known for hosting an 'almost naked' party, sparked public outrage in December with the event that encouraged guests to wear minimal clothing.
The court found the presenter guilty of violating a law penalizing remarks that discredit the military, based on two social media posts made in the early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. One post featured a black square with the words 'No to war,' while the other called for peace and negotiations to stop the killing of people.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the country intensified its crackdown on any perceived criticism of the military operation. Notable figures, including an opposition activist and a co-chair of a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization, faced severe penalties for their dissenting views.
The TV presenter's scandalous party, where a rapper attended wearing only socks, drew widespread criticism on social media. Conservative voices in Russia condemned the event as inappropriate and unpatriotic, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The rapper, also known as Vacio, was sentenced to jail time for disorderly conduct and fined for allegedly spreading 'LGBTQ propaganda' in a video. Additionally, a lawsuit seeking substantial compensation from the TV presenter was dismissed in January on jurisdictional grounds.
The incident involving the TV presenter and the rapper reflects the growing conservative sentiment in Russia, fueled by President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric on traditional values and nationalism amid the conflict in Ukraine.
