Ex-photographer of Navalny's headquarters approved extension of arrest in case of commenting on news

The Moscow City Court approved the decision to extend the arrest of ex-photographer of Navalny's headquarters, Alexander Strukov. This was reported by the First Department. In April, the Lyublinsky District Court left Strukov in pre-trial detention until June 26.

Strukov was detained on January 26 - a case was opened against him under articles on public calls to carry out terrorist activities on the Internet (Part 2 of Article 205.2 of the Criminal Code) and inciting hatred or enmity on the Internet (Part 2 of Article 282 of the Criminal Code). The reason for initiating the case was comments under posts in the Telegram channel of the publication Znak.com.

According to the resolution to initiate the case, Strukov’s comments began with the words “Glory to Ukraine!”, “Down with the power of the security officers...”, “Good morning everyone, down with Putin!” The expert who conducted a psychological and linguistic study came to the conclusion that the statements contain signs of inciting hatred and hostility towards persons of Russian nationality, and are also aimed at committing terrorist acts, the destruction of employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB, members of the United Russia party and call for assault on the life of Vladimir Putin.

• In June 2021, the Moscow City Court recognized the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), the Foundation for the Protection of Citizens' Rights (FZPG) and the headquarters of Alexei Navalny as extremist organizations. An appeals court later upheld this decision. Navalny and his associates were included in the Rosfinmonitoring list of extremists and terrorists.