In Russia, a Guy Was Arrested for His Hair Color, Allegedly Ukrainian
ILLEGAL HAIR COLOR – A Russian guy was arrested by the authorities for his hair color, which allegedly symbolized Ukraine.
Stanislav Netesov, a resident of Moscow, was assaulted at a bus stop by an unidentified group after returning from work on April 27, 2024. During the assault, they stole his smartphone and left him with a broken tooth. The following day, Netesov visited the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Tverskoy district to report the crime. However, instead of assisting him, the police officers became interested in the color of his hair.
Netesov had dyed his hair yellow, blue, and green, colors which the police claimed symbolized Ukraine and mocked the Russian Army. According to them, displaying these colors is considered a punishable offense under Russian law. Consequently, instead of receiving help, Netesov found himself accused of “discrediting the Russian Army.” He was taken into custody, where his fingerprints were recorded, and then sent to the military registration and enlistment office to undergo military training.
The paranoia over the yellow and blue colors in Russia has intensified since the onset of the Kremlin’s offensive against Ukraine in 2022. These colors, associated with Ukraine, have been banned in Russia, and any person or item displaying these colors is required to cover them up or remove them. This includes everything from clothing and symbols to buildings and artworks.
The assault on Netesov and his subsequent detention by the police highlight the severe measures taken against those perceived as sympathizers or supporters of Ukraine. The situation escalated to the point where Netesov could potentially face a fine of PHP 31,087.29 and up to five years in prison. This case exemplifies the extreme reactions and consequences for individuals in Russia caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts, particularly those mistakenly identified based on something as superficial as hair color.
