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Moscow Sets Dec. 30 In‑Absentia Trial for German Satirist Over Putin Floats

Authorities invoke Russia's 'discrediting the army' law carrying penalties of fines or up to ten years.

Overview

  • The Moscow court says the criminal case against Jacques Tilly was filed on December 15, with the first public hearing scheduled for December 30 at 9:30 a.m. local time.
  • A preliminary, non-public hearing was held on December 24, and the case will proceed in absentia.
  • Prosecutors charge Tilly with discrediting the armed forces over carnival floats depicting Vladimir Putin, with the outlet Ostoroschno Nowosti reporting claims he spread “fakes” from political hatred and self-interest.
  • Tilly told the German press agency he learned of the case via Freies Russland NRW and called the proceedings ridiculous, saying his satire targets Putin, not the army.
  • The case reflects wider use of wartime information laws against critics in Russia, which has drawn international condemnation.