Russia’s ruling party MP fined after journalist accuses him of assault and threats PHOTO

A lawmaker from Russia’s ruling United Russia party has been fined 5,000 roubles after a journalist accused him of assaulting and insulting him in the city of Ivanovo.

Alexei Mashkevich, editor-in-chief of the local publication Slukhi i Fakty, said on July 17 that Ivanovo Regional Duma member Artem Potapenko and his aide had attacked him in central Ivanovo, Telegram channel Ostorozhno, Novosti reports.

Mashkevich said Potapenko had removed and trampled on his glasses, slapped him, pushed him in the chest and spat in his face. He also alleged that he was subjected to homophobic abuse and threatened with rape.

The journalist said he believed the incident could be linked to his work, as his publication had reported on matters involving a textile company headed by Potapenko.

A magistrate fined Potapenko 5,000 roubles on September 9 in a case concerning an insult under Part 1 of Article 5.61 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offences, Mashkevich told the publication 7x7.

According to Mashkevich, Potapenko acknowledged in his testimony that he had removed the journalist’s glasses, slapped him, spat at him and insulted him.

However, he denied that the incident was connected to Mashkevich’s journalistic activities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev