The administration of Bolokhovo, a town in Russia's Tula region, has filed a police report over drawings of Smeshariki cartoon characters on the rubber coating of a children's playground. Officials said they identified the author of the drawing using CCTV footage and appealed 'to the author and his parents,' according to Meduza.
The administration stated that the drawings constitute damage to municipal property 'regardless of artistic value.' Officials threatened liability under Article 214 of the Russian Criminal Code (vandalism) and Article 167 (intentional damage to property), Novaya Gazeta Europe reports.
Before the investigation is completed, the author and his parents have been asked to voluntarily restore the coating to its original condition. The administration promised this would be considered a mitigating circumstance and could affect the measure of responsibility.
Bolokhovo Mayor Maria Chuykina said the park was renovated under a state program whose implementation is strictly controlled. According to her, the drawings were made with durable paint, and municipal services were unable to wipe them off.
Sources differ: the Bolokhovo administration considers the drawings vandalism and property damage, while city residents in comments criticized the authorities and suggested officials address more serious municipal problems, including garbage collection. One local resident called the administration's reaction serious and asked whether adults file a report against a child with 'extraordinary talent.' Another resident noted that such actions by authorities could show children the state as an 'evil overseer.'