On 12 January 2026, independent media from Crimea reported that a Russian-controlled court in Simferopol had fined Lenora Dyulber, an independent Crimean journalist, author and human rights activist, 33 thousand rubles for allegedly “discrediting” the Russian army.
Independent groups reported that the fine came after a search conducted by Russian security forces at Dyulber’s home on December 4, following which the journalist and author was temporarily detained and brought to Simferopol for questioning (see separate alert). According to the groups, the court’s decision to fine Dyulber was based on unspecified statements in one of her research publications, that authorities had found at a local library in Simferopol.
Tribunal – Crimean Episode (one of the groups which reported on the case) said that the fine which targeted Dyulber was illegal even under Russia’s current repressive legislation, as statements in scientific publications cannot be considered as “discrediting” the Russian army under current norms.