A satirical noodle protest during a speech by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has legal consequences for a regional politician in Russia. Authorities have started fine proceedings against Mikhail Abdalkin for “discrediting the Russian army”, reported the Fontanka Internet portal today.
The trial is set for March 7. The deputy of the regional parliament of the Samara region incurs a fine equivalent to 25 thousand euros.
Abdalkin watched Putin’s State of the Union address on TV shortly before the anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. He hung noodles on his ears. In Russian there is an expression “to hang noodles on the ears”, which means something like: to be deceived.
Abdalkin then posted a video on YouTube, wryly expressing his “full support” for the “great performance”. In the speech, Putin spoke mainly about the war in Ukraine, defended the invasion and once again accused the West of “starting the war”.
While Abdalkin’s satirical protest was celebrated online, it was quickly met with criticism from politicians. The Communist Party, which is now considered loyal to the Kremlin and for which it has a seat in parliament, distanced itself from the action.