Anti-war case

Since 24 February—the first day of the war in Ukraine—residents of Russian cities have been taking to the streets daily for anti-war protests and speaking out about the tragedy online. Officials have responded sharply to this dissent: not only have they ordered the invasion to be called a “special operation,” but they also swiftly adopted amendments introducing prison sentences of up to 15 years for spreading “fake news” about the army.

Dissenters are being prosecuted not only under this new article of the criminal code: in various cases, law enforcement have charged people with offences such as hooliganism, vandalism, use of violence against state officials, and other alleged violations. OVD-Info is monitoring the “anti-war cases” and maintaining a guide with information about those involved.