August 04, 2023

The Lady with the Tote Bag


The Lady with the Tote Bag
Pride. Chris Johnson, Unsplash.

21-year-old Alexandra has been slapped with a hefty fine by a Krasnodar court for, according to Mediazona, “tarnishing the reputation of the Russian army.”

Alexandra said the court showcased screenshots taken from her Instagram profile, which boasts a modest 180 followers. Among the featured materials is an image of a bag adorned with the phrase "No To War," a corresponding graffiti depiction, a photograph displaying a "Peace" sticker, and notably, a snapshot of a tote bag bearing the inscription, "Sex is cool but Putin's death is better."

Police officers made a surprise visit to Alexandra’s home on June 28 to inform her of a complaint made about her posts. She was then escorted to the police station and subjected to an examination of her tattoos, notably drawing attention to one on her shoulder that portrayed a cartoon canine donning a rainbow scarf with the phrase “Gay dog” featured above it. 

Alexandra recounted the officers' requests for her to reveal her tattoos by rolling up her T-shirt sleeves, afterwards translating the English phrases into Russian. Officers took photos of her face and tattoos.

The officers prohibited her from phoning a lawyer: “They said that 'if a lawyer shows up now, we will launch the whole legal machine. We will dig up more stuff there, and it will be even worse.'”

Ultimately, Alexandra found herself facing charges for two administrative offenses. She was fined R200,000 (approximately $2,116) for “promoting non-traditional sexual relations” as well as R30,000 (approximately $317) for “discrediting the Russian army.” The court was unable to clarify how the woman's tattoo breaches the law.

“He was saying some incoherent things: ‘Propaganda, propaganda’,” said Alexandra. “The lawyer asked him directly: ‘Explain to us where the violation is’. He said: ‘Well, I thought it was a violation.’” 
 

You Might Also Like

Unwritten Resolution
  • July 14, 2023

Unwritten Resolution

Nizhny Novgorod court shuts "LGBT Propaganda" case on local bookstore.
  • June 14, 2023

"Go Defend Your Homeland"

In Chechnya, law enforcement uses threats and blackmail to send LGBT persons, drug users, and "disloyal" citizens to war.
Anti-LGBTQ Law Has Broad Ripples
  • December 11, 2022

Anti-LGBTQ Law Has Broad Ripples

President Vladimir Putin signed a law against LGBTQ "propaganda." Is this only a homophobic act? Or is it part of something bigger?
Homophobia Codified
  • August 30, 2022

Homophobia Codified

The Russian state is preparing to pass new laws banning "gay propaganda" after a recent book led to public outrage.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955