Khalid Paigir
Khalid Paigir, Kurgan Oblast. Charges: Article 354.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code (Insulting the memory, symbols, and veterans of the Great Patriotic War); “The case of Khalid Paigir about lighting a cigarette from the Eternal Flame.”. Sentence (November 28, 2023): a fine of two million roubles, cancellation of residence permit, ban on entry to the Russian Federation. Status: at large.
In brief
Kurgan Oblast · Kurgan
Sentence
a fine of two million roubles, cancellation of residence permit, ban on entry to the Russian Federation
No information about an appeal ruling.
Charges
- Article 354.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code — Insulting the memory, symbols, and veterans of the Great Patriotic War
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, at the Victory Obelisk in memory of Kurgan residents who died during the Great Patriotic War, the accused, being in a state of alcohol intoxication, 'in the presence of his acquaintance and other unauthorised persons... he climbed and stood with his feet on the obelisk's stylobate where the Eternal Flame was burning, from which he then lit a cigarette, and committed other acts desecrating the symbol of Russia's military glory'.
Latest event
November 28, 2023 — first-instance verdict
The court delivered a guilty verdict.
Timeline
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Persecution begins
The case of Khalid Paigir about lighting a cigarette from the Eternal Flame.
· Preventive measure: pre-trial detention
· Preventive measure: house arrest
Criminal case
The case of Khalid Paigir about lighting a cigarette from the Eternal Flame.
Details and sources
Full summary
An Afghan resident. On Mar 2, 2023, it became known that he was detained in Kurgan because he was drinking alcoholic beverages at the Eternal Flame, 'rearranged wreaths' and lit a cigarette from the Eternal Flame. A case was opened against Paigir for desecration of the symbols of military glory. He was placed in custody, then transferred to house arrest, but later again placed in custody due to some violations of the regime. On Nov 28, 2023, Paigir was sentenced to a fine of two million rubles (ca. 22 300 USD), his residence permit was cancelled and he was banned from entering the Russian Federation. However, Paigir did not leave the country within the established deadline, so a decision was made to deport him.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Afghanistan
Other people prosecuted under Article 354.1 part 3, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.