“Don’t believe the propaganda.”
Ovsyannikova has to go back to court
03/25/2022, 1:27 p.m
Marina Ovsyannikova becomes a face of the protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a live Russian TV show, the journalist urges viewers: “Don’t believe the propaganda!”. Now Owssjannikova has to answer for that again.
A new trial has been opened against former TV editor Marina Ovsyannikova for her sensational protest live on state television against Russia’s war in Ukraine. The 44-year-old faces a fine of up to 50,000 rubles (around 465 euros) under a new media law, as reported by the Interfax agency, citing the competent court in Moscow.
The law provides for a maximum of 15 years in prison for alleged misinformation about Russia’s armed forces. It was therefore initially feared that Owssjannikova could face a much harsher punishment. Ovsyannikova is accused of “public acts discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation” to protect the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens and to maintain international peace and security.
Almost two weeks ago, the former employee of the first channel held a poster behind the news anchor in the camera. It read: “Stop the war. Don’t believe the propaganda. You’re being lied to here.” In Russia, the media is officially forbidden to speak of “war”, “invasion” or “invasion” in neighboring Ukraine. The Kremlin specifies the term “military special operation” as language regulation.
Owssyannikova was arrested after her protest and shortly afterwards sentenced to a fine of 30,000 rubles (around 250 euros). However, her lawyer said after the verdict that the journalist still faces criminal proceedings and a long prison sentence. France offered asylum to the 43-year-old mother. In an interview with “Spiegel”, however, Ovssjannikova assured that she wanted to stay in her homeland, although she was “enemy number one” there.