Russian court approves decision on arrest of former separatist minister Due to incitement to extremism

The arrest of former "Defence Minister of the DPR" (Donetsk People's Republic) Igor Strelkov-Girkin due to the case of incitement to extremist activity is lawful upon the decision of judges of Russia’s Moscow City Court.

“The decision of the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow dated July 21, 2023, on the choice of a measure of restraint in the form of detention against Girkin for a period until September 18, 2023, should be left unchanged, appeals should not be upheld,” Interfax reports.

Strelkov-Girkin’s lawyer urged the Court of Appeal to cancel the decision of the first instance and choose a milder measure of restraint.

The lawyers said that their client was not going to hide from the investigation and the court. He is positively characterized. He has various awards. He suffers from a number of diseases. He also actively cooperates with the investigative bodies and “gives consistent and truthful testimony”.

Strelkov supported his lawyers and noted that he did not understand why the court of first instance chose arrest as a preventive measure.

The defendant also noted that he had not travelled outside of Russia for a long time, he was controlled by the special services and reminded that he had been convicted by a court in The Hague.

“I personally don’t know why I should have disappeared and where proceeding from the charges brought against me and I do not understand the explanations of the investigator, despite my big experience,” Strelkov-Girkin said, addressing the court.

Moreover, he stressed that he does not admit guilt and that he intends to prove his innocence.

The prosecutor urged the Moscow City Court to leave the decision of the first instance unchanged. The investigator did not participate in the process.

Strelkov-Girkin was charged with inciting extremist activity. The investigative bodies had claims against Strelkov-Girkin because of his two posts on Telegram.

He is currently under arrest in the Lefortovo pre-trial detention centre.