Russian blogger Ivan Zolochevsky, known online as Ivan Zolo, was detained during a concert in Russian-occupied Donetsk. According to the blogger, the incident was prompted by a T-shirt bearing imagery that Russian authorities associate with a banned extremist movement.
The incident took place on the evening of October 17 at the Terrikon concert club.
According to the Telegram channel Baza, security officers entered the venue shortly after the performance began and escorted the blogger off the stage.
After detaining him, officers also began checking concertgoers' documents. The venue's management confirmed the incident to REN TV journalists.
Several hours later, Ivan Zolo posted an update on his Telegram channel.
He said the reason for his detention was a T-shirt featuring an image that Russian authorities considered prohibited symbolism associated with the so-called international Satanist movement. According to the blogger, he bought the shirt approximately four years ago and wore it while filming older videos.
Zolochevsky said he intended to delete the relevant videos and get rid of the shirt. He also said he was safe.
His scheduled concert in Mariupol was postponed following the incident.
Russia's Supreme Court had previously designated the so-called international Satanist movement as extremist and banned its activities. The ruling provided a basis for applying extremism legislation to imagery that Russian authorities associate with the movement.
It has not been established, however, that Ivan Zolo was wearing the T-shirt in question during his concert in Donetsk.
Russian law enforcement agencies have not officially explained the circumstances of his detention. There have been no reports that a criminal case was opened or that an administrative penalty was imposed on him.
The incident occurred in Donetsk, which remains under Russian occupation. Russian authorities apply Russian legislation there, including laws concerning extremism.