Russian blogger jailed for pro-Nazi videos and religious insults
A Russian court has sentenced controversial blogger and singer Eduard Sharlot to five and a half years in a penal colony for promoting Nazism and insulting religious beliefs.
The court in Samara Region also barred Sharlot, 26, from using the internet for four years following his release.
The case against the singer was launched in late 2023, regarding a number of provocative videos. According to the case files, the 26-year old filmed a music video in June 2023, in which he could be seen naked, with his military ID, a photograph of Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill, and a hand-crafted crucifix. In the clip, he nailed the objects to a tree, then read out an insulting speech.
In addition, Sharlot filmed himself burning his passport and proclaiming that he no longer wanted to be a citizen of Russia.
Sharlot left Russia for Armenia after the escalation of the Ukrainian conflict. In November 2023, he was detained at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg while trying to return to his homeland.
In one of his videos, Sharlot also expressed support for Ukraine and chanted an anti-Russian slogan.
The prosecution had asked for seven and a half years behind bars and a fine of 299,000 rubles ($2,828).
Sharlot admitted his guilt in court and offered his “sincere apologies to everyone for filming and publishing provocative videos” on Instagram. “These misdeeds are in the past. I realized that I acted stupidly… I am determined to improve,” the musician told the court.
Sharlot also reportedly sent a letter to Patriarch Kirill asking for forgiveness. He allegedly promised to act patriotically as a singer from now on.
