A Russian court on Tuesday ordered the arrest in absentia of science fiction writer Dmitry Glukhovsky, who faces up to 10 years in prison for criticism of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine.
The 42-year-old, who is believed to be abroad, has spoken out against the offensive in posts on social media and opinion pieces for Western media.
Glukhovsky said Tuesday he was being accused of discrediting the Russian army on Instagram and blaming President Vladimir Putin for the offensive in Ukraine.
"I am being accused of discrediting the Russian Armed Forces for a post on Instagram," he said on messaging app Telegram.
"I am ready to repeat everything that was said there: 'Stop the war! Admit that this is a war against the entire nation and stop it!"
The Interior Ministry put the author of Metro 2033, a 2002 post-apocalyptic fiction novel, on a wanted list.
Moscow's Basmanny district court ordered Glukhovsky's arrest in absentia.
Russia is seeing an unprecedented crackdown on the opposition and dissenting voices.
Authorities have introduced a law that imposes a sentence of up to 15 years in prison for publishing information about the military deemed false by the government.
Tens of thousands of Russians have left the country since the start of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
