In Russia’s Tula region, a magistrate ordered 34-year-old Vladimir Bulanov to undergo compulsory treatment after an incident during an Easter religious procession. The regional courts’ press service reported the ruling.
According to the court, the events took place on the night of April 12 near the Church of Michael the Archangel in the settlement of Mikhaylovsky in the Kurkinsky district. During the procession, Bulanov came to the church wearing a Satan mask.
After his detention, the report says, the man stated that while taking part in the procession in that mask he shouted: “Christ is risen”. Parishioners and clergy reacted to what happened and called the police.
Bulanov was first placed under arrest for three days under an administrative charge of petty hooliganism. He was later charged under Article 148, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code, which concerns offending believers’ religious feelings.
The court then considered the findings of a psychiatric evaluation. On that basis, the judge released Bulanov from criminal liability and ordered compulsory supervision and treatment by a psychiatrist on an outpatient basis.