Since 2017, the Russian security services have investigated over a dozen Russian anarchists and anti-fascists for their role in an alleged terrorist plot. According to the FSB, these young men were part of an organisation called “The Network”, a “terrorist group” that allegedly planned to “stir up people for the purpose of destabilising political conditions” in Russia via a series of terrorist attacks.
Defendants in the case have repeatedly stated that they were tortured (e.g. here and here) into confessing to the charges against them. The investigation alleges that “The Network” had cells operating in cities across Russia and Belarus, and focuses on two alleged “cells” based in St Petersburg and Penza. The case has now gone to trial.
Dmitry Pchelintsev, a 27-year-old Penza-based activist, is accused of creating “The Network”. He is also facing charges of illegal weapons possession and an attempted arson attack against a local military office.
