Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022, authorities in Russia have launched over 10,000 cases against individuals accused of “discrediting” the army. Legislation passed in the aftermath of the invasion prohibits public acts or statements perceived as critical of the Russian military. As a result, thousands of people have been detained, with the number of cases steadily increasing. Mediazona reported that the 10,000th case was submitted to a court in August, adding to the already existing thousands of cases.
The majority of the cases were initiated in the early months of the conflict, with a total of 5,614 charges recorded by the end of 2022. In the current year alone, there have been at least 1,410 cases filed against individuals. Those found guilty of a first offense are subject to a fine of up to 50,000 rubles ($566). However, repeat offenders within a year could face criminal charges and a prison sentence of up to five years, or even seven years if their actions resulted in injuries, deaths, or mass public order offenses.
Civil rights watchdog OVD-Info reported that 200 people have been indicted for repeat offenses, although some of them have left the country. One high-profile case involved Memorial rights activist Oleg Orlov, who was found guilty of discrediting the army as a repeat offender and sentenced to two and a half years in prison in February. However, last month, the 71-year-old was released in an international prisoner exchange and traveled to Germany. This case highlights the severe consequences individuals can face for speaking out against the Russian armed forces under the current legislation.
The crackdown on those accused of discrediting the army has sparked concerns among human rights organizations and activists about the suppression of freedom of speech and expression in Russia. Critics argue that the legislation is being used to silence dissent and prevent the public from criticizing the government’s actions. The large number of cases and severity of penalties imposed on offenders have raised alarm bells about the state of civil liberties in the country and the impact on individuals’ ability to express their opinions freely.
The implications of the crackdown on individuals perceived as critical of the army extend beyond legal consequences to include social and economic repercussions. Many individuals targeted by these cases face stigmatization, job loss, and social ostracization as a result of the charges brought against them. This not only affects the individuals directly involved but also creates a climate of fear and self-censorship among the broader population, as people become hesitant to express their opinions openly for fear of being targeted by authorities.
As the number of cases against those accused of discrediting the army continues to rise, the situation in Russia remains tense, with the government cracking down on dissent and criticism. Human rights organizations and activists are calling for the repeal of the legislation that allows for such prosecutions and for the protection of freedom of speech and expression in the country. The ongoing persecution of individuals for their perceived criticism of the military highlights the challenges faced by those advocating for civil liberties and democracy in Russia, and raises concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights in the country.
