German woman fined 900 euros for saying Russia's invasion of Ukraine was 'necessary'

A court in Cologne found that Olena Kolbasnikova's comments «pose a threat to public peace» Photo: Getty Images Europe

A Ukrainian woman was fined in Germany 900 euros for condoning a Russian invasion of Ukraine, making her the latest person to break Germany's strict propaganda laws.

A court in Cologne found that Elena Kolbasnikova «posed a threat to public peace» by speaking at a pro-Russian protest in which she called the invasion of Ukraine «necessary».

During last year's protest against commemorating the end of World War II, she also told the TV channel that «Russia is not the aggressor.»

The judge considered these two comments to be sufficient evidence that she «approved and supported» the Russian war «in a way that was conspicuously different.»

Kolbasnikova, 48, who calls herself a “fighter for peace,” insisted after the trial that she was being persecuted for her determination to tell the truth.

Her lawyer said he was ready to challenge the decision at any time. path to the country's Supreme Court.

Elena Kolbasnikova (right) calls herself a «fighter for peace.» and stated after the trial that she was persecuted for her determination to tell the truth. Photo: Getty Images Europe

A legacy of attempts to control the resurgence of Nazism, Germany has some of the strictest laws in Europe governing what people can say and do in public.

Public displays of Nazi symbols and Holocaust denial are prohibited.

Over the past year, German prosecutors have launched several investigations into pro-Kremlin bloggers and activists, arguing that supporting the invasion amounts to the crime of «supporting a crime», which is punishable by up to three years in prison.

The German Interior Ministry is clear made it clear that even displaying the letter Z — the symbol of the Russian invasion — could be seen as an endorsement of the crime.

Last month, a man from Hamburg was sentenced to prison for displaying the letter.

Poland and The Baltic states have also banned the display of the Z symbol.

Meanwhile, in Slovenia, former Justice Minister Stefan Harabin faces up to three years in prison for saying he would «do the same as Putin» in Ukraine.< /p>