Pussy Riot member and journalist Pyotr Verzilov charged with spreading ‘disinformation’

Russian investigators have filed criminal charges against Pussy Riot member and Mediazona publisher Pyotr Verzilov for allegedly spreading “disinformation” about the Russian army, multiple Telegram channels reported on Wednesday.

According to the reports, the charges were filed in response to posts Verzilov made on Twitter and Instagram. Investigators allege that in April, Verzilov knowingly distributed false information “about the use of a direct current to kill civilians in Bucha,” Baza wrote.

Verzilov has reportedly been arrested in absentia and put on the international wanted list for the “disinformation” charges.

In July 2020, a criminal case was opened against Verzilov for allegedly not notifying the Russian Interior Ministry of his Canadian citizenship. In November 2021, Verzilov was declared wanted on those charges.