Moscow Court Charges Former 'DPR People's Governor' Gubarev with Discrediting Russian Army.

The Case Against Pavel Gubarev

According to TSN.ua: Pavel Gubarev, the former self-styled 'people's governor' of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), is facing administrative charges in Moscow for discrediting the Russian military. The case was filed at Moscow's Tagansky District Court on February 18, 2023. Under the relevant statute, Gubarev could be fined up to 50,000 rubles. This charge is part of a broader crackdown on dissent since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Background and Reaction

Gubarev first gained notoriety in 2014 when he was proclaimed the 'people's governor' of the DPR. In 2023, he also joined the 'Club of Angry Patriots,' a group of pro-war figures critical of the military's performance. Expressing confusion over the charges, Gubarev stated:

“I am unaware of the reasons for the protocol being drawn up, suggesting that someone 'did not like' his texts.” - Pavel Gubarev

Gubarev further claimed that the complaint against him was filed by Apty Alaudinov, deputy head of the Russian Armed Forces' Main Military-Political Directorate and commander of the 'Akhmat' special forces unit. This situation has sparked public debate, highlighting tensions over freedom of expression within Russia's current political climate. The case underscores the risks faced by even pro-regime activists who voice criticism, revealing internal fractures among Russian nationalist circles.