Russia initiates over 10,000 cases against discrediting the military

• Most cases were filed in the initial months of the war, reaching a total of 5,614 by the end of 2022.
• This year, at least 1,410 cases have been initiated.
• Individuals convicted of an initial offense face fines of up to 50,000 rubles ($566).

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, authorities have launched over 10,000 cases against individuals accused of “discrediting” the military, according to Mediazona, a website that monitors the courts. Following Russia’s February 2022 offensive, new legislation penalized public acts or statements critical of the Russian armed forces. This has led to the detention of thousands of people.

“The 10,000th case was submitted to court in the first week of August,” the website said.

Most cases were filed in the initial months of the war, reaching a total of 5,614 by the end of 2022, according to Mediazona. This year, at least 1,410 cases have been initiated. Individuals convicted of an initial offense face fines up to 50,000 rubles ($566). Those charged again within a year face criminal penalties, risking up to five years in prison. If their actions resulted in injuries, death, or mass public disorder, they could face up to seven years in prison.

According to the monitor OVD-Info, authorities have indicted 200 people for repeat offenses, though some have fled the country. In February, Memorial rights activist Oleg Orlov was convicted of discrediting the army for a repeat offense and sentenced to two and a half years in prison. This conviction followed his criticism of the military campaign and the Kremlin.

Authorities released the 71-year-old in an international prisoner exchange in July, allowing him to fly to Germany. Since launching its military campaign against Ukraine, Russia has conducted an unprecedented crackdown on dissent. Memorial has compiled a list of 762 political prisoners in Russia.

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