The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has already imposed 51 punishments for using pro-Russian, war-glorifying symbols or justifying Russian violence, 12 of which are related to violations in social media, writes ERR News.
The penalty for publicly expressing support for Russian aggression can reach 1,200 euros, however, its amount is usually around 400 euros.
PAA representative Maarja Punak informed ERR that many violations are being reported, and most of them concern Aivo Peterson, who ran for the election from the United Left Party and came close to winning a seat in Riigikogu after a campaign that included broadcasting videos from occupied Donbass. Punak said complaints about him are received every week.
On average, the PPA receives about 15 complaints per week about social network posts related to the glorification of Russian aggression in Ukraine.
One of the more common reasons for the ceoncern is the use of black-orange St. George’s ribbon.
It is a pro-Russian symbol whose history dates back to the time of the Russian Empire. Even if no specific violation is found, the PPA may still contact the individual to reprimand them for inappropriate behavior. If the violations are repeated, the PPA may also meet with the individual in person, which is also how most problematic cases are resolved. If it doesn’t help, a penalty follows.
Andres Lember, head of the anti-propaganda blog Propastop, told ERR that spreading disinformation on social networks is a regular Kremlin method. Sometimes fake or anonymous accounts are used en masse. Deluded citizens often post pro-Kremlin posts themselves, or share them on their personal accounts, and often engage in heated exchanges of words in the comments. Lember warned that one should not engage in discussions with such persons:
“The wrestling with a pig in mud effect can ensue. Both parties get muddy, but it is the pig who feels happy.”
Not all posts are fake news or disinformation, Lember emphasized. For example, videos of Russian army atrocities can actually work to the Kremlin’s advantage by sowing fear of the Russians’ supposed superiority. He added that there are better ways to report Russian crimes. It can be a photo of the deceased in normal conditions with a Ukrainian flag attached next to it.