Russian Authorities Arrest Zambian Student For Twerking Next To A World War Two Memorial

A Zambian student has been arrested following a video of her twerking by a war memorial was posted on Instagram whilst she was visiting Russia.  

The 21-year-old girl was identified through local Zambian media and has been named as Rebecca Ziba.

The footage shows her dancing next to the World War Two Memorial of Glory in Khanty-Mansiyka. The video was also posted alongside a joking caption.

The Memorial of Glory remembers soldiers who died during the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany.

Ziba was arrested and charged with “Rehabilitating Nazism,” under Part 4 of Article 354.1 of the Criminal Code.

Russian police have described her actions in the video as “obscene” and “insulting.” They have also described the caption posted alongside the video as “an offensive inscription.”

The Russian authorities have released a video of Ziba confessing and apologising for her actions.

Ziba states in English, “I didn’t want the video I posted to be offensive and disrespectful to the dead. I didn’t know what the memorial signifies. I apologise very much to everyone.”

It is unclear whether Ziba has been allowed legal representations and what conditions she is being held under.

The student could face up to three years in prison alongside a 3 million rouble (€34,430) fine if she is found guilty.

Photo: Lusaka Times