Russian police say they have arrested an American citizen in the metropolis of Saint Petersburg. According to a police statement on Saturday, the 60-year-old man, who has dual Russian and American citizenship, is being investigated for allegedly “rehabilitating Nazism.”
The man allegedly posted a provocative photo on a Russian social network last year wearing the orange and black St. George ribbon, which police said “defiled a symbol of Russia’s military glory.” The man risks a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine of almost 70,000 euros.
According to Russian Telegram channel Baza, the photo of the arrested man showed the St. George’s ribbon wrapped around the big toe of a corpse with the signature “The correct way to wear the St. George’s ribbon.” The band originally dates back to Tsarist times. In Russia under Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, it has been a commemorative symbol since 2005, and in recent years it has increasingly become a symbol of loyalty to Putin and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Since last December, his ‘desecration’ has been punishable in Russia. However, in several former Soviet republics, George Ribbon has been banned as a sign of Russian aggression.
In response to a request from the German news agency DPA, a spokesperson for the US State Department in Washington said there had been reports of the arrest of a US citizen in Russia. There is no higher priority for the Department than the safety of American citizens abroad. If an American is detained abroad, the Department is committed to providing all appropriate assistance.
Several American citizens have been arrested in Russia since Russia’s war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine began more than 21 months ago. Observers believe it is possible that Moscow could use captured Americans as a bargaining chip in its tense relationship with the United States. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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