Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has initiated over 10,000 legal cases against individuals accused of "discrediting" the military, according to a Wednesday report by the Mediazona website, which tracks court proceedings. The legislation enacted shortly after Russia's February 2022 incursion into Ukraine penalizes public actions or statements perceived as critical of the Russian armed forces. Consequently, thousands have been detained.
"The 10,000th case was brought before the court in the first week of August," Mediazona stated. The majority of these cases emerged in the initial stages of the conflict, with 5,614 charges filed by the end of 2022. This year has seen at least 1,410 new cases.
First-time offenders found guilty face fines up to 50,000 rubles ($566). However, those re-charged within a year face criminal penalties, potentially leading to a five-year prison term, or seven years if their actions result in injuries, fatalities, or public disorder. According to OVD-Info, 200 individuals have been charged for repeat offenses, though some have fled the country.
In February, Memorial rights activist Oleg Orlov was convicted for discrediting the army and received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence after criticizing the military campaign and the Kremlin. The 71-year-old was released in a prisoner exchange in July and subsequently traveled to Germany.
Russia has implemented an extensive suppression of dissent since initiating its military operation against Ukraine. Memorial has compiled a list of 762 political prisoners in Russia.
