Journalist Yulia Starostyna was accused of discrediting the army

The police drew up an administrative report on the article about the discrediting of the army against the journalist and volunteer Yulia Starostyna because of the phrase “love and friendship are stronger than war”, which she uttered in an interview with the TV channel “Dozhd” on December 7. The Agency writes about this, referring to a copy of the materials of the Starostyna case. The hearing on the case is scheduled for February 28 in the Tver District Court of Moscow.

The administrative article on the discrediting of the Russian army appeared shortly after its invasion of Ukraine. The use of the word “war” instead of “special military operation” is considered discrediting.

According to the case materials, the reason for drawing up the report was the journalist’s story that she had an anti-war tattoo, which is a reminder to her that “love and friendship are stronger than war.” The police considered this phrase discrediting the Russian army.

“Agency” cites several more quotes from the interview of the journalist with “Dozhd”, which became the reason for the administrative protocol. Speaking about her volunteer activities – Starostina helped Ukrainian refugees in Russia – she said: “I need it myself, because I am going through the war very hard”, “I have no relatives in Ukraine, but I feel my responsibility, which consists in that I should not remain silent, do something so that this war ends”, “They have nothing but their home. Russia is still a foreign country”, “It will always remain a bloody wound, even if they return home, they will shoot there “.

It became known on February 7 that a report was drawn up against the journalist.

Yulia Starostyna collaborated with “Proekt”, “The Bell”, “RBK” and “Meduzoi” publications.

Since April 2022, she has been helping refugees from Ukraine who ended up in Russia. Every month, through social networks, she collected warm things, children’s clothes, dishes, hygiene items, and then took them to temporary refugee accommodation points in the Tver region.

After drawing up the administrative protocol, the Starostina reported that it would temporarily end volunteer activities.

• The administrative article on the discrediting of the Russian army provides for a fine of up to 50,000 rubles, for repeated violations of which a criminal case with a penalty of up to five years in prison is threatened.