BBC journalist Will Vernon posted on his Twitter account a photograph showing Marina Ovsyannikova and her lawyer Anton Gashinsky.
Marina Ovsyannikova, who organized an anti-war protest during a television newscast, is now on trial in Moscow on charges of “organizing an unauthorized public event” (protest). Possible penalties: fine <30,000 rubles / civil service / up to 10 days in prison," the BBC journalist wrote under the photo.
Marina Ovsyannikova, who staged an anti-war protest during live TV news prog last night, is appearing in court in Moscow now, charged with “organising an unauthorised public event” (protest). Possible punishments: fine < 30,000 roubles (£200)/community service/up to 10 days jail pic.twitter.com/gOt6tno4no
— Will Vernon (@BBCWillVernon) March 15, 2022
Marina Ovsyannikova interrupted the main news program of the First Channel of Russian state television last night by appearing behind the presenter in the studio with a banner condemning the war.
The poster read in English and Russian: NO TO WAR. Stop the war! Don’t believe the propaganda! You are being lied to here.” The unusual protest took place on the 19th day since the start of the war, which began after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The Kremlin, for its part, spoke of a “special military operation.”
The first channel of the State Television of Russia said that it was conducting an internal investigation into the incident.
The Kremlin called the protest hooliganism. “As for this girl, this is hooliganism,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Peskov also said that this issue should be decided by Channel One and that this is not the work of the Kremlin.