Chewbacca arrested for supporting Darth Vader in Ukraine election

ODESSA, Ukraine, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A man dressed as Star Wars character Chewbacca was arrested in Ukraine for allegedly violating campaign laws with his support of Darth Vader.

A witness recorded video in Odessa of the man in the Chewbacca costume being arrested for allegedly campaigning for Darth Vader -- or rather a person who is using the Sith Lord's identity in a campaign for mayor.

Police said Chewy was violating laws against campaigning on election day when he arrived in costume at a polling place. The man was arrested and fined about $8.

Vader, Chewbacca and other Star Wars characters including Padme Amidala have previously waged write-in campaigns in local elections as part of the Internet Party of Ukraine, which has been active for a few years.

Chewy's arrest came just days after the city of Odessa unveiled a statue of Darth Vader, created from a statue of communist leader Vladimir Lenin.