"Criticizing the government is not prohibited": Yekaterinburg urban preservationist Oleg Bukin was fined under the "discrediting" article.

The denunciation of Bukin was written by Z-chansonnier Alexander Novikov. As the urban preservationist himself suggests, due to the fact that earlier, according to his statement, Yekaterinburg The house at 38 Malysheva Street, where the musician owns premises, was recognized as an architectural monument. 

Приговор Oleg Bukin the judge ruled Vladimir UshakovThe official reason for "discrediting the army" was anti-war posts. Bukin himself and his defense attorney Dmitriy Halibuts They insisted that criticizing the government is not prohibited by the Constitution, while the heritage activist spoke in support of peace.

“How can the phrase ‘no to war’ discredit the Russian army?
"We're not waging a war, so to speak, but a special military operation. I'd still differentiate between the two."
— What is the difference between war and military operations? 
“I’m not ready to answer.” — It's My City journalists quote a dialogue between the defense attorney and police major Otar Omoev, who filed the report against Bukin and spoke for the prosecution.

The court fined Bukin 30 rubles. This decision will likely be appealed.

Oleg Bukin He leads the "Ural Chronotope" movement and works to protect historic buildings. According to local media, he conducts historical and cultural assessments and helps secure their state protection. 

Photo: Elena Elizarova / It's My City