Press Release, 8.11.2022

Photo: Alexander Makhankov / Photo from social media

Alexander Makhankov, Chairman of the Yabloko branch in the Pushkinsky District of St.Petersburg, was charged, for the second time, of “discrediting” the Russian Armed Forces. The reason was Makhankov’s calls for peace during the municipal election campaign which took place three months ago.

The hearing in the case took place on Tuesday, 8 November. The reason for initiating the proceedings under Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses were Makhankov’s leaflets, which he distributed as a candidate for the elections to the Municipal Council of Pushkinsky District of St.Petersburg. The leaflets contained a photo of the candidate and his call for peace (“I and Yabloko Vote for Peace!”).

During the elections, the territorial electoral commission considered that the text of the campaign leaflets could contradict the law and recommended Makhankov not to use the leaflets in the campaign. At the same time, the same flyer design was used by all Yabloko candidates across the country in municipal election campaigns this year.

The Pushkinsky District Court of St.Petersburg postponed the hearing of the case until 15 November. Makhankov faces a fine from 30,000 to 50,000 roubles.

It should be noted that a little over a month ago, on 27 September, the Pushkinsky Distrcit Court already found Alexander Makhankov guilty of “discrediting” the Russian Armed Forces in another case filed against him. The reason was his publications on VKontakte social meida, where he mentioned the special military operation. Makhankov was then sentenced (https://eng.yabloko.ru/chairman-of-a-yabloko-branch-in-the-leningrad-region-fined-for-discrediting-the-army/ ) to a fine of 30,000 roubles, but he appealed against it in the City Court. However, the hearing in the court of a higher instance has not yet been scheduled.