A court in Sumy sentences man to read Taras Shevchenko poetry over his pro-Russian views

Source: Nash Kray

A court in the Sumy region handed down an unusual sentence to a local man who was found guilty of “supporting Russian aggression”.  Apart from a suspended prison sentence and a three-year probation period, the man has been ordered to read the book of poetry by Taras Shevchenko.

The man, a resident of Lypova Dolyna, faced trial after he openly praised  Russian president Vladimir Putin’s acts in Ukraine and blamed the Ukrainian government for the conflict with Russia.  A forensic linguist hired for the case confirmed that his pro-Russian  statements “glorified Putin and justified Russia’s armed aggression”.

The court ruled the man’s reformation will require him reading a 720-page book of poetry by Taras Shevchenko. The book known as “Kobzar” is often seen as a symbol of Ukrainian identity and resistance. The probation service will monitor his reading to ensure compliance.

At the court hearing, the man expressed remorse, arguing his comments had been made “out o spite’ during in a heated argument with his fellow villagers.