Crimean man who filmed a disguised fuel truck arrested for “disobeying the FSB” and accused of “discrediting” the army

The Crimean man who filmed a military fuel truck disguised as a regular truck was arrested for “disobeying the FSB” and accused of “discrediting” the army

The Kerch City Court in Crimea has jailed local resident Sergey Makedonsky for 15 days after he filmed a military fuel truck disguised as a cargo truck. The corresponding ruling was published on the court’s website, Verstka noted.

The stated reason for the arrest was “disobeying the lawful demand of an FSB officer” (Part 4 of Article 19.3 of the Administrative Code). According to the ruling, Makedonsky refused to show his passport to the security officers and “resisted.”

Despite the mitigating circumstance of repentance and an admission of guilt, the man was given the maximum possible punishment under the article he was charged with. The court also took into account the “high public danger” of Makedonsky’s actions and his personality. The ruling was issued back on June 13, but it had not previously been reported.

In addition, as Verstka found, on July 1 a protocol was filed against Makedonsky in the Kerch court under the article on “discrediting” the Russian army. The case will be heard on July 28.

🟪On the morning of June 12, Ukrainian Telegram channels published a video whose author shows a military cargo vehicle moving along the road. “Look how they disguised it! A military fuel truck, there it is! Clowns!” a voice off camera comments. Russian state media also circulated footage of Makedonsky’s detention and his apology. It does not show the man offering any kind of resistance to the special service officers.

🟪According to human rights defenders, Article 19.3 of the Administrative Code is often used by security forces during “carousel arrests.” These are used to deprive a person of liberty under formal pretexts and put pressure on them, while using that time to gather the necessary evidence and obtain confessions. After that, the arrested person may face more serious criminal charges.

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