Putin has said the country is in a proxy war with the West, and citizens need to help root out internal enemies. In March 2022, weeks after the invasion, he declared that the Russian people “will always be able to distinguish the true patriots from the scum and the traitors, and just spit them out like a gnat that accidentally flew into their mouths.”
Since the start of the Ukraine war, according to OVD-Info, the authorities have detained more than 20,000 people for various forms of anti-war statements or protests, and launched criminal cases against 1,094 individuals.
In news reports, court cases and on social media, examples have come to light of neighbour informing on neighbour, churchgoers denouncing priests and students reporting on teachers.
For some, the resulting current climate is reminiscent of the atmosphere of mutual distrust and suspicion under Soviet Communist rule.
“I hope you enjoyed your Uber ride today. Give me 5 stars or I’ll tell the secret police on you even though you never said anything.”
From Red Dwarf episode Back to reality
At the trial, Buyanova denied making the comment. But despite a lack of further adult witnesses, the denunciation was sufficient to destroy her 40-year medical career and her life.
Wtf
Yup, facts don’t exactly matter in Russian courts. If the judge is working with prosecution (which they always do), there’s practically no chance of you being acquitted. Your best case scenario is getting a suspended sentence.
That’s why it’s best to get a jury trial whenever possible. Your odds are way higher that way, but it’s only possible to have it in some specific cases.
They also found her guilty of being a witch
At the trial one witness was brought forward claiming to have been turned into a newt by her. When the defense pressed the claim clearly pointing out the witness was indeed human, the witness reported “I got better”. And now for something completely different. /s
