In Vladimir, a journalist was fined for writing “No to war” on a ballot paper.

The Frunzensky District Court in Vladimir fined journalist Aleksandr Stepanov 30,000 roubles (approximately US$335) under the article on “discrediting” the army (Article 20.3.3 of the Administrative Code), reports “7×7.”

On the last day of the elections, Stepanov wrote “No to war! For peace!” on his ballot with a marker pen. The inscription was spotted by a commission member, a police officer and an election observer. The security officers caught up with the man near his home and drew up a protocol against him.

In court, the journalist stated that his inscription “aligns with the goals of the ‘special operation’”: according to him, Putin started the war in Donbas for the sake of peace. Media outlets describe Stepanov as a pro-government journalist and an informant.