A court in northwestern Russia has sentenced a US citizen to 14 days in jail after he was accused of composing ‘pro-Ukrainian messages’ on his mobile device, as reported by local media in Russia’s Pskov region.
Alexander Antonov, who also holds Russian citizenship, allegedly inscribed the phrase “Slava Ukraine” (“Glory to Ukraine”) on his phone, according to the reports. It is not clear whether this phrase was written in a private context or was publicly visible.
In January 2024, Russia’s Justice Ministry classified this phrase as a ‘Nazi symbol’ and ‘Nazi slogan’. Under Russian law, the public display or promotion of ‘Nazi symbols’ can result in up to 15 days in jail time.
Russian border officials have allegedly discovered the phrase while inspecting Antonov’s phone at the border crossing between Estonia and Russia’s Pskov region. The report did not clarify whether Antonov was entering or leaving Russia.
According to the reports the Pechora District Court had ordered the confiscation of Antonov’s phone along with sentencing him to 14 days in jail.
Antonov’s administrative case could not be located on the court’s website, so it remains uncertain when Russian border agents inspected Antonov’s phone and the timing of his trial.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, Russian authorities have imposed thousands of jail sentences and fines on individuals for openly criticizing the war or expressing support for Ukraine.
