Norway fines Russian sailors for wearing camouflage

A fine of 5,000 Norwegian krone ($500) has been issued by the Norwegian authorities to two Russian sailors who appeared in Kirkenes in camouflage clothing with a tricolour.

On January 12, the sailors went ashore in camouflage winter clothes, their jackets had tricolour stripes and the inscription “Russia”, OOPS TOP reports citing Dagbladet newspaper.

The case against them was brought under article 165 of the Norwegian penal code, which deals with the abuse of public uniforms.

Prosecutor Martin Meslo said that the sailors’ clothes are similar to “Russian military uniforms”, and this “may create fear and discomfort” for the local population and Ukrainian refugees. She acknowledged that camouflage clothing is not prohibited, but Russian fishermen have never dressed like this before.

Lawyers considered the punishment unfair. Norwegian lawyer Bernt Heiberg stated that the police in their actions “went too far.”

He added that other foreigners would not be fined for a patch with the symbols of their state. He advised Russian citizens to appeal the fines.