Lev Shlosberg Faces Criminal Charges for Allegedly Discrediting Russian Military Amid Ongoing Controversy

Law enforcement authorities arrested Lev Shlosberg, a prominent member of the opposition party Yabloko, on Tuesday, bringing criminal charges against him for allegedly “discrediting” the Russian armed forces.

According to the party, police conducted searches and confiscated personal electronic devices from the residences of Shlosberg and his wife, as well as his 96-year-old father and the local Yabloko office in Pskov, which is located in northwestern Russia.

Shlosberg, who has remained in Russia despite his opposition to the war, is accused of advocating for a ceasefire in Ukraine during a debate with historian Yury Pivovarov in January. A recording of this debate was shared on the Russian social media platform Odnoklassniki.

The Pskov branch of Yabloko announced that Shlosberg was placed in a temporary detention facility following his arrest. A court hearing is expected on Wednesday to determine whether his detention will be prolonged.

At 61 years old, Shlosberg could face up to five years in prison if convicted of multiple counts of “discrediting” the Russian military. He has already received two fines for similar administrative violations.

Earlier this year, in January, Shlosberg was charged with not adhering to Russia’s “foreign agent” law, which could land him an additional two years in prison if he is found guilty.

In June 2023, Russia’s Justice Ministry designated the opposition politician as a “foreign agent.” This classification requires individuals to attach a lengthy disclaimer to all public statements, including social media posts.

Having previously led Yabloko’s Pskov branch, Shlosberg frequently denounces Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, labeling it a “tragedy” on social media. Some opposition members in exile have criticized him for not taking a more aggressive stance against the war.

Shlosberg was a representative in the legislative assembly of the Pskov region from 2011 to 2021.