Russia jails nationalist critic Igor Girkin for four years over ‘extremism’
Al Jazeera
Igor Girkin has accused President Vladimir Putin and the army top brass of not pursuing the Ukraine war effectively enough.
A court in Russia has convicted prominent nationalist and former rebel commander Igor Girkin of “inciting extremism” and sentenced him to four years in a penal colony.
Girkin has repeatedly criticised the Kremlin for its war strategy in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The Moscow City Court on Thursday said Girkin was guilty of “public calls to carry out extremist activities”.
Also known as Igor Strelkov, Girkin has accused President Vladimir Putin and army top brass of not pursuing the Ukraine war effectively enough.
“I serve the Fatherland!” Girkin shouted after the verdict was read out. His followers had gathered outside the court and three of them were detained by police, the AFP news agency reported.
