Russia intensifies crackdown on critics of its armed forces

The Russian regime is targeting individuals who "discriminate" against its army. Since the beginning of Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, over 10,000 notifications have been sent to courts across the country. Penalties for repeat offenses can result in years of imprisonment in Russia.

Since its inception in March 2022, over 10,000 court cases have been initiated in Russia against people accused of "discrediting" the country’s armed forces, reports the independent Russian service Mediazona, citing data from the courts.

In the first year of the armed conflict with Ukraine, the number of such cases stood at 5,614, rising to 8,590 by the end of 2023. The threshold of over 10,000 cases was crossed in the "first week of August," as reported by the service.

According to the Russian Administrative Procedure Code, a fine of between $320 and $540 can be imposed for "discrediting" the image of the Russian armed forces. Individuals who violate this rule again within a year of receiving the first penalty may face criminal charges, with the possibility of sentencing to up to 7 years of imprisonment.

Human rights protection organization OVD-Info reports that to date, criminal cases against 194 people for "discrediting" the army have been filed. Among those who have faced court for expressing opposition to the war actions in Ukraine is Oleg Orlov.

The 71-year-old 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and co-founder of the Memorial organization was sentenced to two and a half years in a penal colony. Orlov ultimately avoided prison as he was released as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Western countries.