Russian authorities open ‘justifying terrorism’ case against actor Alexey Panin for post about Crimean Bridge

Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against Russian actor Alexey Panin on charges that he publicly justified terrorism, TASS reports. If found guilty, he could face up to seven years in prison.

The committee said the basis for the case was a post by Panin, which “justified the terrorist act on the Crimean Bridge.” According to the Telegram channel Baza, Panin wrote that he “cannot hide his joy” about the Crimean Bridge explosion.

The Telegram channel Mash writes that authorities searched the actor’s registered place of residence. The channel also notes that Panin reportedly left Russia and moved to Spain in 2020, having sold his apartment before moving abroad.