St. Petersburg Street Singer Fined for Performance Deemed to Discredit Russian Military
ST. PETERSBURG – A St. Petersburg street musician has been fined for performing a song authorities claim discredits the Russian military, the latest instance of escalating restrictions on artistic expression following the invasion of Ukraine. Loginova, vocalist for the street trio stoptime, along wiht guitarist Alexander orlov and drummer Vladislav, were initially arrested earlier this month and sentenced to 12-13 days in jail for organizing an unauthorized public gathering.
The case highlights a growing trend of legal repercussions for individuals expressing dissent or criticism of the war in Ukraine through artistic mediums.Russian law prohibits “discrediting” the armed forces,a broadly defined offense that has been used to target activists,journalists,and artists.
following his release after serving the initial sentence, Orlov was detained again on Tuesday and charged with a new administrative offense under the same article concerning unlawful assembly. He was held at a police station for further questioning. The Moscow Times, designated an ”undesirable” organization by the russian government, reports that these actions are part of a broader effort to silence independent journalism and suppress opposition to the Kremlin’s policies.
