Russian train passenger fined for ‘discrediting’ the army after conductor reports him

A court in Russia’s Saratov region has fined a train passenger 30,000 rubles (about $300) after finding him guilty of “discrediting” the Russian army. The train conductor reported him to the police.

According to the court’s ruling, Sergey Gabov was traveling on the Kislovodsk–Kirov train on January 31 when he spoke out against Russia’s “special military operation” and expressed a desire to support Ukraine. A separate ruling issued the same day states that he also used profanity.

The train conductor, identified by the last name Larina, reported the incident to the train supervisor and called the police, citing a “conflict” between Gabov and other passengers. Another passenger, who was traveling with Gabov, testified that she heard him say he “would rather fight for Ukraine than for the Russian army.”

The court also found Gabov guilty of disorderly conduct and imposed an additional fine. According to the ruling, Gabov pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.