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The Main Military Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal case against VGTRK war correspondent Alexander Sladkov on charges of discrediting the Armed Forces, as reported by Sladkov himself on his Telegram channel. The move comes amid broader tensions between military officials and critical voices within the Russian media landscape.
Sladkov revealed that the investigation was initiated due to his commentary on the management and provisioning issues within the Russian Armed Forces. He expressed that the situation could have been more challenging without the support of Oleg Dobrodeev, the VGTRK team, and the presidential administration. The journalist also referred to recent corruption cases involving high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Defense, highlighting the growing scrutiny on those in uniform.
Sladkov indirectly pointed to dissatisfaction within military circles towards critical bloggers, noting that many of these bloggers, despite facing criticism, were invited to speak at presidential receptions, where they openly addressed the Defense Ministry’s shortcomings. He further stated that several former Ministry officials are currently under investigation for theft, adding that these individuals, who previously lectured on morality and statecraft, have been exposed for their involvement in corruption.
Under the leadership of the new Minister of Defense, Sladkov remarked that the atmosphere for journalists and bloggers has improved, allowing them more freedom to operate. He described a notable shift in their working conditions, mentioning that their “capabilities have seriously increased” under the new regime.
The charges against Sladkov fall under Article 280.3 of the Russian Criminal Code, which penalizes discrediting the Armed Forces with a maximum imprisonment of seven years. As of early 2024, 81 cases have been initiated under this article, with 44 sent to court and 45 individuals facing prosecution. The case against Sladkov reflects the ongoing friction between state authorities and media professionals navigating the complex environment of reporting on Russia’s military affairs.