Students in St. Petersburg Arrested for Shouting 'Ukrainian Salute'

In St. Petersburg, a court sentenced two students to five days' detention after they shouted a "Ukrainian salute" during a dare. The young individuals claimed it was a harmless joke, but they were found guilty of displaying banned symbols., reports NewsBox.

In St. Petersburg, two first- and second-year students were detained for five days for shouting a "Ukrainian salute" on university premises. The incident occurred on February 13 when the students challenged each other to see who could shout the phrase louder.

According to "Fontanka," the authorities were alerted by the deputy director for security. After being called, campus police arrived and apprehended the offenders. The court found them guilty of publicly displaying Nazi symbols and imposed an administrative sentence in the form of arrest.

The detainees insisted their actions had no hidden meanings and were merely a joke.

“We didn’t intend to demonstrate any symbolism or offend anyone... It was just a stupid joke,” explained one of the students.