Russian Journalist Mingazov Placed under House Arrest for Spreading False Information about Military

Russian journalist Sergey Mingazov has been placed under house arrest by a court following his detention on allegations of spreading false information about Russia’s armed forces. Forbes Russia reported that the reporter will be subject to this measure for at least two months while awaiting trial, after being arrested last week over reposted stories regarding alleged Russian military atrocities in Bucha during their invasion of Ukraine earlier this year. Mingazov is accused by authorities of knowingly spreading false information about Russia’s armed forces under the guise of reliable reporting, according to his lawyer Konstantin Bubon who also revealed that internet access and communication with people other than relatives, investigators, lawyers, and medical professionals have been restricted for him. This preventative measure was enforced by a court as part of pre-trial proceedings in Russia which can include remanding individuals into custody or placing them under house arrest. The move comes amidst an ongoing crackdown on journalists since the invasion of Ukraine with several high profile figures including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Alsu Kurmasheva and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich being arrested, while others have faced the prospect of their detention via ‘arrests in absentia’.