On the runaway from Russian opera singer opened a criminal case

On the runaway and Russia and opera singer Maria Maksakova, who ardently supports Ukraine,* have opened a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 280.4 of the Criminal Code (Public calls to carry out activities directed against the security of the state). This is reported by the Baza telegram channel.

"In August 2023, her interview with the Ukrainian TV channel Now appeared on Maria's YouTube channel, where, according to investigators, the ex-MP urged people to finance the Armed Forces and discredited SMO's goals," the publication says.

It was this interview that led to the initiation of a criminal case. According to the telegram channel, the maximum penalty under this article may be 6 years in prison.

As EADaily reported, after the start of a special military operation, the singer fled the country. In May last year, she was included by the Ministry of Justice in the register of foreign agents. The definition stated that she called for the provision of weapons to Ukraine and the overthrow of the current government in Russia. In addition, she distributed the materials of foreign agents.

Social activists pointed to one of Maksakova's recent interviews*. In an interview with journalists, the singer talks about meetings with the head of the General Directorate of Ukraine Kirill Budanov and requests the supply of German and British Taurus and ATACMS missiles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But then the singer was only fined twice.

In July of this year, Maksakova* took part in the Laima Vaikule Festival in Jurmala, which has been raising funds in support of Ukraine for the last two years.

*An individual performing the functions of a foreign agent