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Criminal Case Opened Against Regional Deputy For Video Criticizing Putin

Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case against a deputy from the Kursk region after she published a video critical of President Vladimir Putin online, the Slon online news website reported Friday.

On March 4, Deputy Olga Li posted an online video addressed to Putin in which she criticized the president's actions. In the video posted to YouTube, and subsequently shared on the Vkontakte social media site, Li said Putin's domestic and foreign policies have led to the “collapse of the Russian financial system and rule of law.”

A case was opened against Li under Article 282 of the Criminal Code on the grounds of inciting hatred or enmity.

According to the Investigative Committee, the material published by Li contains “allegations of serious crimes against prosecutors and judges.” The committee also said “disseminating information aimed at inciting hatred and hostility to all officials in the institutions of state power is criminal and harmful.”

The criminal case became public knowledge after a meeting of the Kursk regional Duma on March 24. At the meeting, Li was criticized for her opposition to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

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