A lawmaker in the Russian region of Samara who mocked President Vladimir Putin's annual address to lawmakers has been charged with discrediting Russia's armed forces. The administrative case was registered at a court in Novokuibyshevsk for hearing on March 7. If convicted, Mikhail Abdalkin may face a fine. Abdalkin's photo showing him listening to Putin's speech on February 21 with noodles on his ears went viral on the Internet. The phrase "to hang noodles on someone's ears" in colloquial Russian means "to lie to someone." To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Regional Lawmaker Charged After Mocking Putin's Annual Address
Mikhail Abdalkin listens to Vladimir Putin's speech with noodles on his ears.