Vasily Bolshakov
Vasily Bolshakov, born 1985, Ryazan Oblast. Charges: Article 280.3 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, government agencies, or mercenaries); “Vasily Bolshakov's case of discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”. Sentence (October 24, 2024): a fine of 250,000 roubles. Status: at large.
In brief
Ryazan Oblast · Kasimov · IT specialists · Anti-war cases
Sentence
a fine of 250,000 roubles
Upheld December 12, 2024
Charges
- Article 280.3 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, government agencies, or mercenaries
Full wording of the charges
The reason for the case was a joke that Bolshakov published in "VKontakte": "- Sergei, why are we retreating from Kherson? - Volodya, you yourself ordered to liberate Ukraine from fascists and Nazis...". In addition, the reason for the case were the comments that Bolshakov left on 22 September 2022 under the post of another user in "VKontakte". In these comments he speaks out against the war and calls to sabotage mobilisation. Later, the comments on VKontakte were excluded from the charges due to the expiry of the statute of limitations. In July 2022, Bolshakov was fined 30,000 rubles under the administrative article on discrediting the army (Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences) because of his comments on VKontakte, where he called the actions of the Russian armed forces fascist and aimed at the destruction of the people of Ukraine.
Latest event
December 12, 2024 — appeal
The court released from serving the sentence.
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
released from serving the sentence
· Persecution ends
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Persecution begins
Vasily Bolshakov's case of discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Criminal case
Vasily Bolshakov's case of discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
- Case number
- 1-157/2023
Thematic group: Anti-war case
Details and sources
Full summary
Resident of Kasimov (Ryazan region). On 14 February 2023, a search was conducted at his home in the case of discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. According to his wife, the law enforcers threw Bolshakov to the floor, beat him and handcuffed him. He was given a recognisance not to leave the country, but this preventive measure expired because Bolshakov was not charged within the ten days required. On 3 April 2023, another case was brought against Bolshakov for defamation of the Russian Armed Forces. The cases were merged. During the debate it became known that the second episode was excluded from the combined case due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. On 24 October 2024 Bolshakov was sentenced to a fine of 240 thousand rubles. On 9 December 2024, the court of appeal instance released the convicted person from the execution of punishment due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 280.3 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.