A famous Israeli artist was fined in Moscow

A Moscow court recently imposed a new fine on poet and satirist Semyon Slepakov, who has been living in Israel since 2022. The penalty amounted to 60,000 rubles (approximately 2,500 shekels), as confirmed by Russian media citing court documents.

Basis for the Penalty

The fine was imposed because Slepakov did not pay a previous fine of 30,000 rubles, which was issued in June 2024. The artist was found guilty of violating the rules for labeling publications as “foreign agents.” According to Russian laws, all “foreign agents” are required to accompany their materials with large print indicating that the content is created or distributed by them.

The penalty for the absence of such a label starts with relatively small fines, but after repeated violations, the amount increases. Some emigrated “foreign agents” try to follow the rules to avoid problems with property or relatives in Russia, while others simply ignore these requirements. Slepakov belongs to the latter.

Court Decision

The judge considered Slepakov’s actions under Article 20.25 of the Administrative Offenses Code — “non-payment of an administrative fine on time,” which implies doubling the amount. The decision stated that the artist did not request a deferral or installment payment.

Paradoxical Situation

Interestingly, in August 2024, the propaganda agency TASS reported the completion of enforcement proceedings against Slepakov after he settled the debt for the first fine. Thus, a paradoxical situation arose: the new court verdict was issued on a possibly already closed case.

Semyon Slepakov’s Anti-War Stance

Semyon Slepakov is known for his anti-war stance. On the day Russia invaded Ukraine, he appealed to Vladimir Putin to stop the war. Shortly after, the artist left the country and moved to Israel. In the spring of 2023, the Russian Ministry of Justice included him in the register of “foreign agents,” arguing that he “receives foreign funding,” although the fact of his living and working outside Russia makes such accusations questionable.

It was previously reported that Semyon Slepakov sang a Jewish parody of Shaman’s song.