Irina Volkova
Irina Volkova, Saint Petersburg. Charges: Article 148 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Public insult of religious feelings); “Irina Volkova's case about the photo against the background of St Isaac's Cathedral”. Sentence (March 28, 2022): 180 hours of community service. Status: at large.
In brief
Saint Petersburg · Saint Petersburg · Bloggers
Sentence
180 hours of community service
No information about an appeal ruling.
Charges
- Article 148 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Public insult of religious feelings
Full wording of the charges
The case was initiated over a photo that Volkova posted on Instagram on 21 August 2020. In the image, she is seen squatting with her back to the camera in front of St Isaac's Cathedral, with her skirt lifted and her underwear visible.
Latest event
March 28, 2022 — first-instance verdict
The court delivered a guilty verdict.
Timeline
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict
· Persecution ends
· Persecution begins
Irina Volkova's case about the photo against the background of St Isaac's Cathedral
Criminal case
Irina Volkova's case about the photo against the background of St Isaac's Cathedral
Details and sources
Full summary
A resident of St Petersburg and an Instagram blogger faced legal action after a controversial photograph she posted. On 30 October 2021, a criminal case was brought against her for insulting the feelings of believers, following the publication of a 2020 photograph showing her in lingerie in front of St Isaac's Cathedral.
The case was initiated after Timur Bulatov, a local resident known for regularly filing complaints against opposition activists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those he believes offend religious sentiments, submitted a statement. Another supporter, who identifies as Orthodox, also contributed to the complaint. At the end of October 2021, the photograph began circulating on popular VKontakte blogs, leading to Volkova receiving numerous abusive personal messages.
On 28 March 2022, Volkova was sentenced to 180 hours of compulsory labour.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 148 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.