A Nalchik resident was fined for discrediting the army.

A court in Nalchik sentenced Zaur Bizhoev to a fine, finding him guilty of discrediting the army.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," liability for discrediting the armed forces was introduced on March 4, 2022. Since then, residents of Russia, including those from the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts, have been prosecuted under Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. It provides for a fine of 30,000 to 100,000 rubles, and repeat violations within a year result in criminal prosecution.

Security officials compiled a report on the discrediting of the army against Nalchik resident Zaur Bizhoev and sent the case to court. The Nalchik City Court found Bizhoev guilty of discrediting the army and fined him, according to the case file published on the court's website.

The case file does not indicate the amount of the fine, nor does it provide details about his case.

Zaur Bizhoev or his representatives have not commented on the court's decision.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that a Nalchik court had previously sentenced Kirill Kotlyarov to a fine of 30,000 rubles, deeming his comments on Telegram discrediting the army.

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