Irina Volkova
- Criminal Code
- Article 148 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
- Verdict
- Mandatory community service
- Date of verdict
- 2022-03-28
- Region
- Saint Petersburg
- City
- Saint Petersburg
Case 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.
Others charged under Article 148 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
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Source: this person’s record in the OVD-Info political persecution database
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