FSB arrested 39 people: WhatsApp war against young people in Russia!

FSB arrested 39 people: WhatsApp war against young people in Russia!

Moscow (dpa) - In a surprising and comprehensive campaign, the Russian domestic secret service FSB arrested 39 people, including several minors. The suspects are said to be members of so -called "destructive internet communities" who, according to FSB, have planned to commit violent acts in Russia on behalf of Ukraine. In addition, investigations have been initiated against over 250 other people, with more than 150 of the accused also minors. It is reported that the suspects about the Messenger service Discord were in contact with Ukrainian officers.

The warnings of the Russian authorities about alleged recruits from the circle of youth have been present for months. Again and again individual fates are uncovered by supposed perpetrators. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how resilient the allegations made are. The Ukrainian side rejects the allegations and in turn accuses Russia of encouraging young people to carry out sabotage files, e.g. by attacks on military vehicles.

increased repression against dissenters in Russia

The repression against war opponents and critical voices in Russia have intensified against Ukraine since the beginning of Wladimir Putin. As the human rights organization banned in Russia reports Memorial, there are hundreds of political prisoners in the country. The most frequently used allegations against these people relate to the supposed "discrediting of the Russian army". At the same time, an increase in convictions for extremism, espionage and sabotage can be determined.

observer interpret the extensive action of the FSB as a possible signal for a forced ban on the Messenger Discord in Russia. Numerous internationally used social networks and messenger are classified as extremist and are prohibited for use within the country. This development raises questions about the rights of freedom of expression and access to communication means in Russia.

The arrests and ongoing investigations clearly show that the Russian authorities want to react to potential threats that they see in increasing use of digital platforms. Such measures could have far -reaching consequences for human rights and the social mood in the country. Despite the obvious concerns, it remains to be seen how the Situation of political persecution and the role of digital means of communication will develop in the current crisis, as www.radiohagen.de reports .