A Russian TV editor who ran onto screen during a national news broadcast holding an anti-war sign has been fined 30,000 roubles, the equivalent to just under $300 US.
Marina Ovsyannikova interrupted the broadcast of one of Russia's most watched news programs and stood behind the presenter with a sign that read:
"Stop the War! Don't believe the propaganda. They're lying to you here!"
The 43-year-old, who was formerly an editor at the news channel, was held for 12 hours by police. In recent weeks following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian state has imposed huge penalties against those who share what they call 'fake news' about the conflict, including calling it a 'war'. The Russian state refers to the violence since the invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February as a 'special military operation' despite the conflict being the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II. Those who share so-called 'fake news' are now liable to 15 years in prison.
It appears that Ovsyannikova was fined for a video which she released ahead of her protest as opposed to the protest itself. Whether she will face further legal action for the protest is as of yet unclear.
The media figures who prop up the Russian regime were quick to criticise the brave presenter, calling for her to imprisoned for years and stating she was not an important figure.
Margarita Simonyan, the head of Russia Today, said:
"This can happen with every editorial office. We, editorial offices, do not have outdoor surveillance for our employees, do not bug their phones, and in general are not paramilitary organisations with regular lie detector checks, etc. Marina Ovsyannikova is indeed the ex-wife of one of our directors. They have been divorced for a long time and live different lives. Quite different, as it turns out."
While the Russian Foreign Minister added:
"As far as this lady is concerned, this is hooliganism. The channel and those who are in charge are dealing with it,' he added. 'It's not an issue on [the Kremlin] agenda. There are certain departments that deal with this. The live broadcast of any TV channel and especially those who work there hold a special responsibility."
[Based on reporting by: The Daily Mail]
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