Officials in Russia's North Caucasus region of Kabardino-Balkaria said on July 22 that eight local residents have each been ordered to pay a 3,000 ruble ($34) fine for "violating regulations on the use of Russia's national anthem." The case was launched after a video circulated on the Internet earlier this month showing a graduation ceremony at a local secondary school, at which several students and their parents remained seated when Russia's national anthem was played. Some of the participants covered their ears with their hands. Russian lawmaker Andrei Kartapolov requested a probe into "the open disrespect of Russia's national anthem." To read the original story by RFE/RL's Caucasus.Realities, click here.
8 People In Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria Fined For 'Disrespecting' National Anthem
An arch with the inscription "Forever With Russia" in Kabardino-Balkaria's capital, Nalchik