The district court of Cologne sentenced pro-Russian activist Elena Kolbasnikova to a fine of 900 euros under the article on justifying crimes (part 2 of article 140 of the German Criminal Code). Bild reports .
The reason for the persecution was an interview with the Bild Live activist, in which she said that Russia is “not an aggressor, but helps to end the war in Ukraine.” Kolbasnikova announced that she would appeal the verdict.
“In your statements, you proclaimed everything that Russia does as good and right. You also stressed that there is no alternative to war and there is no other way,” the prosecutor said in court.
During the meeting, Kolbasnikova's husband, pro-Russian activist Max Schlund, got into a scuffle with one of those present in the hall, after which he was forced to leave the premises.
According to Bild, a second investigation is also underway against Kolbasnikova: she is suspected of handing over tents and radios to the Russian military. For this, she faces up to five years in prison.
Earlier, The Insider published a series of publications about how the Kremlin is spreading its influence abroad using the Russian-speaking diaspora loyal to it. The protesters present themselves as independent activists, but in reality they act in active cooperation with the Russian embassy, and attract local far-right as their allies.