Czech protester freed after brief jail term for Red Square demonstration
A Czech citizen who was detained in Moscow for a Red Square protest has been released and left Russia, according to the Czech Foreign Ministry.
The man received a 13-day sentence in September after displaying an English sign near Lenin’s Mausoleum, which Russian authorities said aimed to tarnish the armed forces. In addition to the custodial term, the court levied two fines totaling 60,000 roubles, roughly CZK 15,000. Interfax reported the details of the charges. The Czech Foreign Ministry confirmed his release on Saturday and his subsequent departure from the country.
Why it matters
The release underscores diplomatic sensitivities surrounding foreign protesters detained in Russia.
In this story
Czech protesterMoscowRed Squaredetentionreleasecourt finesarmed forcesforeign ministry
