RUSSIA: Four administrative fines for anti-war articles, criminal investigation underway

Independent Orthodox priest Iona Sigida has not appealed against four administrative fines imposed in late December 2025. At least two punished him for articles on his church's website. Forum 18 asked Slavyansk City Court why expressing religious views on politics and the war in Ukraine was considered "discreditation" of the Armed Forces or "disrespect" for society or the state. The Court chair directed Forum 18 to the written decisions. Fr Iona is under house arrest as he undergoes criminal inv