Russian woman interrogated for wearing yellow jacket on the beach. Know why

In Russia,journalist Antonida Smolinafound herself under police scrutiny for an unexpected reason: her choice of clothing.

Smolina, aged 38 and hailing from Veliky Ustyug, was interrogated by law enforcement officials after sharing photos of herself wearing a yellow down jacket on social media. The seemingly innocent act of sporting the jacket against a backdrop of a vaguely blue sky led to accusations of supportingUkraine's colours, an action considered to disregardPresident Vladimir Putin's government and military.

"A district police officer came to me," recounted Smolina, describing the encounter. "He said that a certain Valery P wrote a statement against me to the police."

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She was accused of wearing a jacket colour that was associated with enemy symbols, which was seen as undermining the government's authority. However, Smolina defended herself by stating that the colour of her jacket was more accurately described as "Crayola."

Social media enraged

This incident shows how strict laws in Russia can make even clothing choices political. Social media users mocked the situation, highlighting the absurdity of linking ordinary things to political rebellion.

Commenters sarcastically remarked, with one saying, "Yellow is banned? The rainbow is banned? The triumph of greyness." Another joked, "The next step is to ban the yellow sun against the blue sky. This is enemy symbolism."

Expressing concern over the stifling political atmosphere, Smolina lamented, "The post that so offended Valery P has nothing to do with politics, but politics is killing the souls of my fellow countrymen."

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Despite the pressure, she remains steadfast, insisting that she changed her jacket solely due to seasonal considerations, not because of the complaint against her.

(With inputs from agencies)