A Russian social media influencer has been criticised in Russia for burning her passport but has claimed that it was not a protest against Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Yevgenia ‘Gipsy’ Hoffman has defended her actions as motivated by her dislike for the picture on her passport rather than a statement against Putin.
Despite receiving backlash from pro-war activists in Russia who mistook her actions as “expressing support for Ukrainian terrorists”.
Hoffman said: “I burned the passport because the photo [of me] is ugly.
“I love Putin and Russia, and the act was not to show support towards Ukraine.”
The online influencer, who has over 5,000 followers, has received harsh criticism from her detractors.
One critic proposed revoking her citizenship, while others advocated for harsh punishment as a deterrent to participating in anti-war protests.
A legal case has been filed against her, and there is a good chance she will be convicted.
Given the significant backlash from critics, the influencer is now facing up to a year in prison.
The investigating committee overseeing the case said: “These actions are a gross insult and mockery of the civil and patriotic feelings of citizens of the Russian Federation.
“The Chairman of the Investigative Committee will be presented with a report on the investigation of the criminal case against a Moscow resident who committed desecration of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation.”
