Russian police have opened more than 3,300 investigations into the case of "discrediting" the army, an offense established in early March to quell criticism of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
The "Sitivy Svobody" organization, which provides legal aid to victims of "political repression" in Russia, stated that it had counted these numbers between March 4 and July 14, based on the databases of the Russian Interior Ministry.
The organization explained in its account on Telegram that "the Russian police release an average of 35 reports on charges of undermining the army's consideration for each working day."
This offense is punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 rubles (1,700 euros) for individuals and up to 1 million rubles (17,000 euros) for a legal person.
It is up to the court to determine the amount after the hearing.
According to the NGO, Russian courts have so far ordered more than 1,500 fines for "discrediting" the army, totaling more than 50 million rubles (845,000 euros).
On the other hand, the "OVD Info" (non-governmental) organization reported that about 200 people were prosecuted in Russia who condemned the invasion of Ukraine in the framework of criminal cases in which severe prison sentences may be issued.
In this context, Alexei Gourinov, an elected member of the Moscow City Council, was sentenced on July 8 to seven years in prison for "spreading false information" about the Russian army, after he publicly condemned the attack on Ukraine.