Writer Zakhar Prilepin, a figure of Russian nationalism, injured in the explosion of his car

Russian writer Zakhar Prilepin (our illustration photo) was seriously injured in the legs when his car exploded on Saturday, May 6, 2023. AFP - JEFF PACHOUD

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Russian writer Zakhar Prilepin was seriously injured in the legs in the explosion of his car, this Saturday, May 6, 2023. His driver was killed instantly. This figure of Russian nationalism seems to have paid for his commitment to the independence of the Donbass provinces where he served on the pro-independence side. The authorities announced that they had opened an investigation for a "terrorist act".

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With our correspondent in Moscow, Jean-Didier Revoin

The car of the writer Zakhar Prilepin seems to have been cut in two, proof of the violence of the shock. But unlike his driver, who died instantly, the writer who was shot in the legs was taken care of by the hospital services of the Nizhny Novgorod region where the attack occurred. He is in serious condition, but according to some sources allowed him to be evacuated to Moscow by helicopter to receive more adequate care.

Suspect arrested

He probably owes his life to the fact that he was near the vehicle at the time of the explosion when he had disembarked to accompany his daughter. The Russian investigative committee has begun its investigations. A suspect has been arrested but the authorities are waiting for more information to decide on the perpetrators and sponsors of this attack.

This attack is nevertheless a serious blow to the Russian nationalists, of which Zakhar Prilepin is a figure. This enfant terrible of Russian literature was pleased to present himself as a commander, volunteering in the army of the Donetsk People's Republic. He became known for recording the horrors of the war in Chechnya while serving in the Interior Ministry's special forces.

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• Russia
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