A Russian court has set a concerning precedent by convicting a 72-year-old man, Yasily Yovdy, for merely liking videos on YouTube. He has been fined 30,000 rubles (approximately €325 or £285) for showing his approval through likes on content related to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The court held that these likes constituted public statements, which it argued discredited the Russian military, despite the fact that users of the platform cannot see who has liked a video. One of the videos in question pertained to the assassination of a prominent Russian general in December 2024, allegedly created by a “Ukrainian propagandist.” Details about the second video have not been disclosed.
This ruling, coming from a court in the Murmansk region, represents a first of its kind, according to the independent investigative outlet Verstka. Yevgeny Smirnov, a lawyer from the rights organization First Department, voiced his concerns regarding the court’s interpretation, noting that a simple like does not equate to a public action meant to discredit the military. He asserted that Yovdy did not express a personal viewpoint or spread information directly.
This case highlights the increasingly fragile state of free expression within Russia, particularly regarding discourse surrounding the Ukraine conflict. The ramifications of such a ruling could have chilling effects on online engagement and speech, making individuals wary of their interactions on social media platforms.