'Di**head' Putin is mocked for the collapse of the rouble after pranksters hack electronic sign in RussiaPolicymakers convened yesterday as the rouble slumped to a dramatic low
By JAMES REYNOLDS
15 August 2023
'Prankster hackers' have branded Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'di**head and a thief', cracking an electronic news ticker in the Siberian city of Surgut to voice discontent with the rouble's dismal performance.
Looping around an office building in the 'Oil Capital of Russia', a city of 400,000, the message made its frustration clear: '100 roubles to the dollar. You're out of your f***ing mind.'
Russia's currency has fallen to its lowest value in 17 months, part of a broader decline since early 2022 after a strong recovery post-pandemic.
The rouble's performance has been hampered by sanctions slapped on Russia in response to the war in Ukraine, prompting an emergency meeting earlier today to discuss a rate rise.
It is not clear who was behind the ticker, but authorities have expanded laws to prohibit anti-war statements and clamp down on public dissent since the invasion last year.
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Source:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12409771/Di-head-Putin-mocked-collapse-rouble-pranksters-hack-electronic-sign-Russia.html
