A resident of the Shalinsky district, Svetlana Medvedeva, was found guilty of "discrediting" the use of the Russian army for a message in the group "Shalinskaya discussion and chat" in WhatsApp, reported "Evening News". The court imposed a fine of 30,000 rubles, exactly the same as the pensioner's monthly income.
According to the ruling, Medvedeva posted a link to a YouTube video in the local group, lasting 16 minutes and 19 seconds, "in which actions discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the purpose of protecting the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens, maintaining international peace and security in a special military operation were voiced."
In court, Medvedeva did not plead guilty, stating that she has the right to express her opinion in any way. The court recognized her pension age and raising a minor child as mitigating circumstances.
For the years 2022–2024, more than 9,500 administrative protocols were submitted to the courts under the article on "discrediting" the army. According to "Verstka"* — 75% of the protocols relate to statements on the internet: on social networks, websites, messengers, and even banking applications.
* Recognized in Russia as a "foreign agent".