Igor Shatkov, a resident of St. Petersburg, has been fined 45,000 rubles by the Vyborg District Court for publicly discrediting the Russian Armed Forces. The United Press Service of the city’s courts reported the ruling on Friday, July 18.
The court determined that on July 17, Shatkov, while near the “Udelnaya” railway station and in a state of intoxication, made statements that undermined the authority of the army. These statements, concerning the Russian Armed Forces’ involvement in the special military operation, were made to an unspecified audience.
Shatkov pleaded guilty during the court hearing, attributing his actions to the influence of a computer game and intoxication. He stated his intention to reform his lifestyle by engaging in sports, reducing alcohol consumption, and starting a family.
According to reports, Igor Shatkov is a 38-year-old resident of Pargolovo. He was detained the day before the court hearing, shortly after 1 PM. Information from open sources and social media suggests he has interests in carpentry, animals, science, and literature, and has previously worked as a chef.