In Yekaterinburg, Russia, becomes a blogger sentenced to three years imprisonment. While it's only a suspended sentence, it's the reason that draws attention. The facts: Played Pokemon Go in the church. By filming and making this film available to the public, Sokolowski has made himself punishable by a judge's decision.
Pokemon Go...to jail
The first question that shoots through our heads, and I'm sure you too, when we see such absurd headlines: Who the hell still plays Pokemon Go? The hype has died down, and with the arrival of winter, AR Innovation Niantics initially gave up. Surely mobile gaming will pick up again under more summery conditions, nonetheless the headline is surprising. But the actual video that the Russian blogger posted on YouTube is almost a year old.
However, the verdict has only just been pronounced. The accusation? “hurting religious feelings” and “inciting hatred”.
Not a trace of the secular state of Russia, as defined in Article 14 of the Russian constitution.
Highly incriminating and further evidence of Sokolowski's criminality was a tech gadget. More precisely, it was a pen with an integrated camera, which was seized during a search resulting from the video hearing. Way to go Russia.
dubious motives
Of course, Sokolowski himself denies the allegations. The young Russian defended himself that he might be an idiot, but that doesn't make him an extremist. Why his own choice of words is "idiot" becomes clear when you look at the blogger's past. Many videos on Sokolowski's channel attack believers, parody them and deny key religious figures. In addition, the church was not just any church, but a place of worship with enormous importance for Russian Orthodox believers. But this was no coincidence either: according to the Pokemon Go video, it was an attempt at provocation that was obviously more than successful. In this case, however, the provocation was actually aimed directly at the Pokemon Go ban issued in churches – not at believers as individuals.
Ultimately, it is clear that Sokolowski is by no means a blank slate and, thanks to his history, it is difficult to dismiss the facts he is accused of. However, it is the resulting charges that appear questionable and disregard any freedom of expression and freedom of the press. We do not know whether the action was worthwhile for the Russian blogger. His conviction at least attracted a lot of attention and was met with great displeasure, especially in the Russian blogger scene. In the end, however, we have one question above all: All this for a buffoon?
