Russian Teacher Fined for Children’s Performance of Anti-War Song
Ussuriysk, Russia – A teacher in Ussuriysk has been fined 30,000 rubles (approximately $325 USD) for ”discrediting the Russian army” following a children’s performance featuring the song “Cancel the war!” Dina Anishchik, a teacher at the Russian Railways Lyceum, was penalized after organizing the performance for a Victory Day event, according to reports from self-reliant media outlets Svobodnye Slova and Virtsta.
The performance, part of the “Country of Wonders” festival, included children singing the song and displaying posters reading “No War!” in Russian, English, and Ukrainian. Police reviewed a video of the event and filed a report alleging Anishchik “carried out public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the RF Armed Forces.”
The court determined the song and performance constituted a “call to stop a special military operation,” a euphemism for the war in Ukraine.Anishchik maintained her innocence, stating the song lyrics had been approved by organizers. The song,written by Tatyana Wind,a member of the Union of Writers of Russia,has been frequently used in children’s musical competitions and performances commemorating military conflicts. Its chorus reads:
“Where there is war,children have nowhere to play
Where war is going on,you can’t collect flowers
Where the war is going on,no one will answer the question:
Why do innocent children die at all times?”
The charge of discrediting the army,introduced shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,has been increasingly used to prosecute individuals opposing the war,even for expressing sentiments like “no war” or “peace.” Authorities have indicated that two prior administrative cases under this article are now leading to criminal prosecution.
This case highlights the growing restrictions on freedom of expression in Russia surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.
