Russian repression against dissenting voices has hit a new group in St. Petersburg, with the detention of approximately 70 citizens during a meeting of the “School of Unified Principle” organization. The group, made up mostly of academics and professors from different regions of Russia, is now accused of violating the country’s strict military censorship laws.
The police operation took place following reports that members of this organization were holding public prayers for the health of Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and for the strategic success of Ukraine’s armed forces.
According to Russian authorities, the prayers included requests for divine protection to prevent the mobilization of Russian reservists and to prevent attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Serious legal implications
The detainees, including well-known pedagogue Olga Dautova, are accused of spreading “false information” about the Russian Armed Forces – a crime that, under the current criminal code of the Russian Federation, can lead to sentences of up to 10 years in prison.
The Kremlin considers that this group, with historical roots in Ukraine, uses a mix of orthodox and esoteric rites to promote an anti-war agenda and demoralize the Russian army among the families of its followers.