The founder of a Ufa independent publication was brought to trial for "discrediting the Russian Armed Forces."
The founder of the Ufa publication Proof.rf To Rauf Rakhimov accused of "discrediting" the Russian army. The "sedition" was discovered in three texts on VKontakte, where the author expressed regret over the deaths of young men. A lawyer told NeMoskva Sergey MakarenkoOne of the posts was published in July 2021, and discussed volunteers from the "LPR." Two more texts were published in February and March 2022.
Propaganda public groups began reporting on the administrative protocol filed against Rakhimova as early as August 22—four days before the case file appeared on the Kirovsky District Court of Ufa's website. The court hearing was scheduled for today, but the media manager's lawyer filed a motion to postpone it. Rakhimova is on vacation, scheduled in mid-August, and is currently outside of Russia.
«Rauf Gareyevna wants to be present at the trial in the courtroom. She pleads not guilty. We will defend ourselves." Makarenko commented on the situation.
According to the lawyer, the first director Republic of Bashkortostan Murtaza Rakhimov — Rauf Rakhimova’s uncle — shortly before his death personally asked him to help his loved ones.
The editors of Prufa.rf link Rakhimova's persecution to the publication's journalistic work exposing corruption in Bashkortostan. Their opinion is indirectly confirmed by numerous negative publications on pro-government Telegram channels. For example, there, subscribers are assured that Rakhimova has "escaped responsibility" and will not return, and her deletion from social media is described as "covering her tracks."
«Every year, we receive dozens of complaints and lawsuits from the regional administration. If you can't take vacation after each such complaint, then there's no time left for rest at all. And if you really want to, you can find a "damaging" connection in any coincidence."," the publication's staff told NeMoskva.
The hearing on Rauf Rakhimova's administrative case has been postponed until October 4. Under the defamation charge, she faces a fine of 30 to 50 rubles.