Kursk regional authorities reported success in a court-backed effort to reclaim money from a resident who stole patriotic banners, according to the Unified Press Service of the Kursk regional judiciary.
The incident began last May when a 41-year-old man driving near Red Square noticed banners proclaiming “Russian Soldier – Our Hero” and “Loyal to the Glory of Our Ancestors.” He took the banners and fled, raising suspicions that led to a formal criminal case being opened.
Prosecutors determined that the man intended to display the banners on his farm, a plan that caused more than 16,000 rubles in damage to the Kursk budget. Separate reports indicated that another local resident owed about 5,000 rubles to the city’s architecture and urban planning committee for banners. That individual later returned the amount, which resulted in the filing of a criminal case that was subsequently halted. In that matter, the court also imposed a 10,000-ruble fine on the individual who showed remorse.
In a subsequent move, authorities pursued an additional 11,000 rubles in damages, filing a lawsuit aimed at recovering the higher amount. The resident did not attend the hearing, but the magistrate proceeded with the claim and ultimately recovered approximately 9,700 rubles by covering the costs of the banners, accounting for wear and tear.
Earlier, a separate incident tied to an anti-LGBT performance involving young paratroopers—labeled extremist and banned in Russia—resulted in a fine of 5,000 rubles. The court actions underscore the ongoing emphasis on protecting public symbolism and mitigating losses tied to vandalism and misappropriation of municipal assets.
These proceedings illustrate how local courts assess damages in cases involving public banners and murals, balancing restitution with penalties while aiming to deter future acts. The outcomes also reflect how authorities pursue additional embankments of costs when damages exceed initial estimates, ensuring residents bear accountability for actions that impact municipal resources and civic spaces.” (Source: Unified Press Service of the Judicial System of the Kursk Region)