German prosecutors raid home of pro-Kremlin activists after Reuters investigation
Instead, they will organize a pro-Russian rally due to "Russophobia"
German prosecutors have searched the home of two pro-Kremlin activists in search of evidence that the pair donated money to buy radios for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
Source. This was reported by Reuters.
In January, the agency reported that Max Schlund and his partner Yelena Kolbasnikova donated funds raised from supporters in Germany to a Russian army division fighting in Ukraine, and the money was used to buy radios, headphones, and phones.
EU sanctions prohibit financing the purchase of certain goods for the Russian military, including radio equipment. According to German law, the criminal penalty for anyone found to have violated the sanctions is up to five years in prison.
A spokesperson for the Cologne prosecutor's office said that a search warrant was issued for the couple's home on Monday morning, and computers and document folders were seized.
Based on the evidence, the investigation will assess whether Schlund and Kolbasnikova violated Germany's law on violation of international sanctions.
The prosecutor's office was also looking for evidence of whether the couple had violated Article 140 of the German Criminal Code, which provides for approving statements about criminal acts.
In particular, the Russians displayed the "Z" symbol on their social media accounts and reposted advertisements for pro-Kremlin contract workers.
In response to the search, Kolbasnikova told her followers that the German authorities were "creating lawlessness."
"We will continue to fight... God is on our side, and Moscow is behind us. Three cheers for victory!" – she said.
Kolbasnikova called on her supporters to take part in a pro-Russian rally in Cologne on March 29 against what she called "Russophobia."
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Kolbasnikova was a victim of persecution by German authorities.
Background. Earlier, Reuters wrote that German activists donated money for equipment for the Russian army.
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