BREAKING NEWS: Russia terminates criminal case against Yury Khovansky popular comedian and YouTuber

Russia has finally terminated its criminal case against Yury Khovansky, a popular Russian comedian and YouTuber as reported on Wednesday, July 20.

Russia’s court terminated the criminal case against comedian and YouTuber Yury Khovansky due to the expiry of the statute of limitations, as reported by 112 media.

The decision was made by the 2nd Western District Military Court.

Yury Khovansky was a defendant in a justification of terrorism case. The Russian YouTuber spent six months in pre-trial detention.

The Russian comedian whose YouTube channel has more than 4.4 million subscribers, was detained in early June 2021, for “justification of terrorism” after he performed a song in which he spoke of children who were victims in the hostage situation at Dubrovka Theater in 2002.

The incident saw an estimated 40 gunmen take audience members and staff hostage, while demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Chechnya.

Khovansky apologised for his song stating he regretted it and was “ashamed” of the piece.

In February, Khovansky publicly expressed regret over the song after the investigation into his performance was launched, saying he was “ashamed” of it.

A video of Khovansky leaving court upon being cleared was shared on Twitter:

“Yury Khovansky would not comment on the termination of criminal proceedings. The blogger’s lawyer explained: it is forbidden until the court decision takes legal effect.”

Юрий Хованский не стал комментировать прекращение уголовного преследования. Адвокат блогера пояснил: до вступления решения суда в законную силу это запрещено. pic.twitter.com/YzD70jD0vd

— 78 | НОВОСТИ (@good78news) July 20, 2022

Credit: Twitter @good78news

During his criminal proceedings, Khovansky saw mass support on social media, with many tweeting updates on the comedian:

“Took to Twitter to let you know of another small victory: court allows Yury Khovansky to use the internet!!!!#KhovanskyNotTerrorist #SVOBODUHOVANSKY” 

Зашла в твиттер, чтобы сообщить вам об ещё одной маленькой победе: суд разрешил Юре Хованскому пользоваться интернетом!!!! #ХованскийНеТеррорист #СВОБОДУХОВАНСКОМУ pic.twitter.com/PiSHDz6Kak

— motúznaya (@La72La) April 7, 2022

Credit: Twitter @La72La

Another tweet on the Russian YouTuber read:

“Yury Khovansky: I am only guilty of wanting to be happy”

юрий хованский: я виновен только в том, что я хотел быть счастлив

— яна (@kaknravitsya) May 17, 2022

Credit: Twitter @kaknravitsya

The news follows reports of popular Russian YouTuber and journalist Yury Dud being found guilty of gay propaganda among children, as reported on Tuesday, July 11.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.