The St. Petersburg City Court fined 46-year-old Nikolai Trofimov 700 thousand rubles in a case of damaging Russian flags, Victory banners, and a pro-war banner, reported «Mediazona»*. He is also prohibited from participating in public events and rallies for 2.5 years, leaving home from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, traveling outside St. Petersburg, and moving without the consent of law enforcement.
Trofimov was found guilty of «desecrating symbols of military glory», «outraging the flag», and vandalism for political motives.
The prosecution demanded a fine of 3.8 million rubles from Trofimov and restrictions on his movements for 4 years and 5 months.
According to the investigation, on May 4 and 9, 2024, the man poured paint on Russian flags and Victory banners hanging at the entrances of buildings.
On May 13, Trofimov was sent to a pre-trial detention center, but was then transferred first to house arrest, then under a ban on certain actions, and later under a travel ban. In court, he reported being beaten after his arrest.
The case of the St. Petersburg resident was heard by a jury, who delivered a guilty verdict.
In his final statement, Trofimov said he only wanted to express his negative attitude towards the Soviet authorities, as his relatives were repressed. He also wanted to protest against the war. Addressing the jury, he explained that he was «against deaths and bloodshed, did not want to offend anyone».
Before the jury's verdict, Trofimov said he considered his actions «foolish», repented, and asked for leniency. The jury decided that he did not deserve leniency.
* Recognized in Russia as a «foreign agent».
Photo: Mediazona