Despite massive censorship, there is still resistance to Putin’s war in Russia. The Russian secret service has now arrested dozens of people.
The Lubyanka as the headquarters of the Russian secret service was already feared in Soviet times. (Archive image) – Alexander Zemlianichenko Jr/Xinhua/dpa
The Russian domestic secret service FSB says it has arrested 39 people in the country in a coordinated operation. Including several minors. The reason given is that these were participants in “destructive internet communities” who were supposed to have committed acts of violence in Russia on behalf of Ukraine.
Investigations were also started against more than 250 people, including more than 150 minors. The suspects are said to have communicated with their Ukrainian command officers via Messenger Discord.
Action against war opponents in Russia intensified
Russian authorities have been warning about the alleged recruitment for months, and the media has reported on individual cases. But it is unclear how valid the allegations are. Ukraine accuses Russia of inciting Ukrainian teenagers to commit sabotage, such as arson attacks on soldiers’ cars.
After the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine ordered by Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Moscow has once again intensified the persecution of war opponents and dissidents in its own country. According to the human rights organization Memorial, which is banned in Russia, there are hundreds of political prisoners.
One of the most frequently used accusations for law enforcement is the alleged “discrediting of the Russian army”. But convictions for extremism, espionage and sabotage have also increased significantly. Observers also suspect that the FSB’s action could be an indication of an imminent ban on the messenger Discord. Numerous internationally used social networks and messengers are banned in Russia as extremist.
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