Alexander Kudryashov

According to the investigation, he damaged the war memorial in the “Road of Life” museum complex by making inscriptions on the Commemorative kilometre pole and anti-aircraft gun pedestal, in which he equated the swastika first with the Soviet red star and then with the letter “Z”. Initially, the case was initiated under the article on damaging a monument or memorial structure commemorating those who died in defence of the Fatherland or its interests (point “b” of Part 2 of Article 243.4 of the Criminal Code). Kudryashov was taken into custody. However, the charge was later reclassified to vandalism motivated by political hatred (Part 2 of Article 214 of the Criminal Code) because the paint used by Kudryashov washed off over time, and the memorial was not damaged. The court changed his preventive measure to a ban on certain actions. Then the charge was again reclassified: to desecration of symbols of military glory (Part 3 of Article 354.1 of the Criminal Code) and damage to property (Part 1 of Aarticle 167 of the Criminal Code). Presumably, he was found guilty only of desecration of symbols.