Russian YouTuber Ruslan Sokolovsky (above, right) has been found guilty of inciting hatred after posting a video playing Pokémon Go in a church.
Sokolovsky’s video, in which he recorded himself playing the popular mobile game in Yekaterinburg’s Church of All Saints, has been deemed anti-religious by a Russian judge.
The BBC says that while prosecutors lobbied for a three-and-a-half-year sentence for Sokolovsky, his jail time could go up to five years based on the new religious laws. It’s believed Sokolovsky has been persecuted under Article 282 of the Russian Criminal Code, also used to prosecute Russian punk band Pussy Riot.
Human rights organization Amnesty International is currently lobbying for Sokolovsky’s release.
Pokémon Go is available now on iOS and Android devices.
This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
