A criminal case has been opened against a Khabarovsk official over a comment about an arson attack on a Russian National Guard building.

A criminal case for “justification of terrorism” (Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code) has been opened against Irina M., a 45-year-old specialist in the mobilisation department of the government of Khabarovsk Krai. This was reported by the Baza channel, citing sources.

In June 2022, the woman left a supportive comment regarding the person who set fire to the National Guard building in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, a city in the Russian Far East. During the same period, 50-year-old Vladimir Zolotaryov poured flammable liquid on the door of the building and set fire to the porch. He said he acted because he disagreed with the war in Ukraine. A year later he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Irina M. called Zolotaryov a “hero” and remarked that there are “few people left who dare” to act. She also expressed regret, saying the man would “suffer for a good cause.”

Officers from the Centre “E” found the government employee’s comment only three years later. According to journalists, the case against Irina M. was opened on 14 May. She is currently under a travel ban.