"We don't need someone like that." A Balashov resident was fined for calling for the district head to be removed from office. He resigned voluntarily, but after a scandal

A resident of Balashov Saratov region fined 20 rubles for a comment on social media addressed to the head of the district Mikhail ZakharovShe was charged under the article "On meetings, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets" (Part 2 of Article 20.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). 

"Let's start a revolt to get Chief Zakharov removed from office. We don't need someone like that..."- wrote city ​​dweller. 

The publication under which she left her comment about the “rebellion” against the head of the district concerned the problems poor quality food in schools. The supply of substandard products was confirmed, and in January 2026, a criminal case was opened in Balashov for providing services that did not meet safety requirements (Part 1 of Article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). 

Amid the scandal, Zakharov left his post, saying he "did it for personal health reasons." 

Photo: Zakharov’s VK page