A court in St. Petersburg has imposed a fine of 30,000 rubles (approximately $375) on 18-year-old street performer Diana Loginova for discrediting the Russian military. This ruling came after she performed an anti-war song by an artist designated as a “foreign agent.”
The Leninsky District Court found Loginova guilty of performing “Ty Soldat” (“You’re a Soldier”), an unreleased track by exiled musician Monetochka, which discusses the emotional repercussions of war without explicitly mentioning Russia or its military.
Loginova, who performs under the stage name Naoko, explained in court that her street performances aim to share music that she is passionate about. She maintained her innocence and contested the claim that her performance had any “political goals.”
Her lawyer pointed out that the police did not specify which lyrics were considered offensive, arguing that the case lacked any proof of intent or political messaging.
The courtroom was filled with supporters and journalists, who applauded as Loginova appeared in good spirits despite being visibly fatigued following nearly two weeks in detention.
Following the verdict, an unmarked civilian vehicle transported Loginova to the police station, where she reportedly began to feel unwell due to the stress of the situation. An ambulance was summoned, and paramedics examined her, providing medication but ultimately deciding against hospitalization. Her mother, Irina Loginova, informed the media that her daughter’s condition had deteriorated due to emotional distress.
It has been reported that Loginova is expected to remain at the police station overnight as a result of an administrative charge related to unlawful assembly.
Earlier this month, Loginova, the vocalist of the street trio Stoptime, was arrested alongside guitarist Alexander Orlov and drummer Vladislav. The trio received sentences of 12 to 13 days in jail for organizing an unauthorized public gathering.
After completing his sentence, Orlov was detained again earlier on Tuesday and charged anew under the same unlawful assembly statute, and he is currently being held at the police station for further questioning.
