Sergei Maslov
Sergei Maslov, Bryansk Oblast. Charges: Article 128.1 part 5, Russian Criminal Code (Defamation related to sexual offense or a felony); “Sergei Maslov’s case of defamation of a veteran”. Sentence (April 6, 2021): A fine of 1 million rubles. Status: at large.
In brief
Bryansk Oblast · Bryansk · Bloggers, Former military personnel, Lawyers
Sentence
A fine of 1 million rubles
Upheld April 14, 2023
Charges
- Article 128.1 part 5, Russian Criminal Code — Defamation related to sexual offense or a felony.
- Article 128.1 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Public defamation
- Article 354.1 part 2 items v, g, Russian Criminal Code
- Article 354.1 part 4, Russian Criminal Code — Insulting the memory, symbols, and veterans of the Great Patriotic War (committed by a group of individuals or using mass media or the Internet)
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, he disseminated defamatory information online accusing a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, the father of Governor Alexander Bogomaz, of committing a particularly serious crime.
Latest event
April 18, 2025 — preventive measure: pre-trial detention
Timeline
· Preventive measure: pre-trial detention
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Appeal ruling
upheld
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
Criminal case
Sergei Maslov's case of defamation of the governor and insulting a veteran
- Case number
- 2-11/2025
Sergei Maslov’s case of defamation of a veteran
Details and sources
Full summary
Sergei Maslov is a resident of Bryansk, a former serviceman, lawyer, and blogger. He regularly criticized the governor of the Bryansk Region. A case was opened against him for defaming the governor’s father, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War. In 2021, Maslov was fined for 1 million rubles. On 13 January 2023, the court granted the bailiff’s motion to replace the fine with community service due to non-payment and sentenced Maslov to 320 hours of compulsory community service.
Later, a case was opened against Maslov, himself a retiree, for defaming the governor himself and insulting a veteran. He was released under a pledge not to leave the area. On 18 April 2025, Maslov was taken into custody — according to the press release, for violating the conditions of his pretrial release twice. In June, a jury began hearings on Maslov’s case. On 8 October, the jury acquitted him, and Maslov was released from custody. On 24 December 2025, the appellate court overturned the acquittal and returned the case to the court of first instance.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
- Persecution episodes
- 2
Other people prosecuted under Article 128.1 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.