The Novokuibyshevsk City Court in Samara Region fines a Samara State Duma deputy for discrediting the Supreme Court over a pasta-ear video during the presidential address
The Novokuibyshevsk City Court in the Samara Region has imposed a fine of 150,000 rubles on Samara State Duma deputy Mikhail Abdalkin for discrediting the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. The accusation stemmed from a public act during which Abdalkin listened to the president’s message with pasta placed in his ears. The information comes from DEA News, citing Abdalkin’s attorney, Alexei Lapuzin.
According to Lapuzin, the court based its ruling on Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Abdalkin was found guilty under Part 1 of that article. The defense team indicated that they plan to appeal the decision, signaling that the case is not yet resolved in the party or legal arena.
Previously, the administrative protocol that charged Abdalkin involved discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which also falls under Article 20.3.3 Part 1 of the Code. The court’s case card shows that the case materials were sent to the Novokuibyshevsk City Court for review and formal consideration.
The court set a date to discuss the protocol for March 7, outlining the next steps in the administrative proceedings while Abdalkin prepares his response and potential grounds for appeal.
On February 21, the day when Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his address to the Federal Assembly, Abdalkin posted a video on VKontakte. In the video, he is seen listening to the president’s speech with pasta inserted in his ears, a gesture that drew attention and sparked discussion in political and media circles.
The incident drew a reaction from other political figures, including State Duma deputy Alexander Khinshtein. He voiced disappointment with Abdalkin’s action and urged the leadership of the Communist Party faction to discipline or admonish their colleague as part of internal party governance and public accountability.