The court sentenced Strelkov to 4 years in prison for calling for extremism

The Moscow City Court sentenced former DPR Defense Minister Igor Girkin (Strelkov) to 4 years in prison in the case of calls for extremism in posts on his Telegram channel, a RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom.

“Find Igor Vsevolodovich Girkin guilty. Give him a sentence of 4 years in a general regime colony,” the judge said.

Previously, the state prosecution requested Strelkova to serve 4 years and 11 months in a general regime colony.

The court hearings were held behind closed doors. The reason for the criminal prosecution was posts on Strelkov’s Telegram channel about the allegedly impending surrender of Crimea during the Ukrainian counter-offensive and non-payment of salaries to the airborne units. These posts have now been removed from the channel.

Strelkov was found guilty under Part 2 of Article 280 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (public calls for extremist activities).

In recent years, Strelkov has been blogging on social networks and giving lectures on the topic of Special Military Operation (SVO). He also took part in the activities of the “Club of Angry Patriots” - an informal organization advocating a change in the format of combat operations and tactics in the Northern Military District towards its toughening.

Strelkov connects his persecution with criticism of high-ranking military officials and officials.