Russian historians fined for anti-war posts in controversial court ruling
In a contentious ruling, Vyacheslav Shmyrov and Ludmila Telen, both affiliated with the Yeltsin Center, have been penalized for anti-war remarks. The case has sparked questions about judicial fairness and freedom of speech in Russia.
Shmyrov, a historian, was fined 45,000 rubles for a social media post on February 25, 2022. His lawyer plans to appeal, arguing that he did not discredit the Russian military. Meanwhile, Telen, the center's first deputy director, received the same fine for reposting an anti-war message. The judge in Shmyrov's case should have recused herself due to prior rulings, and the inspection report contains inconsistencies.
Alexander Drozдов, the Yeltsin Center’s executive director, accused administrators of the UralLIVE Telegram channel of harassing Telen and waging an information war against the center. He believes the fines are politically motivated and aim to silence dissenting voices.
Shmyrov and Telen's fines have sparked debate about the suppression of free speech in Russia. Their case highlights the challenges faced by those who express anti-war sentiments, with authorities often initiating proceedings without prior notification. The Yeltsin Center stands by its employees and continues to advocate for open dialogue and historical truth.
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