<p>Prominent Russian nationalist Igor Girkin was on Thursday (Jan 25) convicted by a Moscow court for inciting extremism and jailed for four years.</p>

<p>Girkin, who denied the charges, has strongly condemned President Vladimir Putin for not effectively pursuing the war against Ukraine.</p>

<p>He reportedly had also actively contributed towards instigating the conflict between Kremlin-backed separatists and Kyiv's armed forces in Ukraine's Donbas region in the year 2014.</p>

<p>Moscow City Court said Girkin was found guilty of "public calls to carry out extremist activities", further adding that the 53-year-old would serve his sentence of imprisonment in a general regime colony.</p>

<p>"I serve the Fatherland!" Girkin yelled out after the verdict was read out.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-daria-trepova-receives-27-year-prison-term-for-killing-pro-war-blogger-683584">Daria Trepova gets 27 jail years for killing pro-war blogger in bombing</a></p>

<h2><strong>Arrests outside Moscow court</strong></h2>

<p>As per news agency AFP, police had captured three people, with one of them chanting "Freedom for Girkin!" while others held posters with nationalist slogans.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia: Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war | Race to Power</strong></p>

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<p>Calling the accusations against Girkin "absurd", his wife rebuffed the allegations.</p>

<p>"The accusation is absolutely absurd," Girkin's wife Miroslava Reginskaya said.</p>

<p>"My husband is a hero of the Russian Spring," she added, referring to the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine.</p>

<p>His lawyer, Alexander Molokhov, called the sentence "an ugly judicial act", and&nbsp;said he would&nbsp;appeal against the verdict soon.</p>

<p>Girkin was arrested in 2023 over the charges of "extremism" after months of public attacks on Russian troops.</p>

<p>He had also denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin for not pushing an offensive aggressive enough against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Dubbing Putin "an old idiot", he took to his social media handle and said that the "country will not survive another six years of this cowardly mediocrity in power", before being arrested.</p>

<p>Girkin's detention was considered a prominent example of how Russia was suppressing the nationalist critics.</p>

<p>During his pre-trial custody, he launched a campaign to challenge Putin in the next presidential election scheduled to be held in March.</p>

<p>While in jail, he gave an interview to the Russian media, where he said that the country had "entered a period of acute instability" and faced "imminent catastrophe".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prominent Russian nationalist Igor Girkin was on Thursday (Jan 25) convicted by a Moscow court for inciting extremism and jailed for four years. Girkin, who denied the charges, has strongly condemned President Vladimir Putin for not effectively pursuing the war against Ukraine.

Prominent Russian nationalist Igor Girkin was on Thursday (Jan 25) convicted by a Moscow court for inciting extremism and jailed for four years. Girkin, who denied the charges, has strongly condemned President Vladimir Putin for not effectively pursuing the war against Ukraine. He reportedly had also actively contributed towards instigating the conflict between Kremlin-backed separatists and Kyiv's armed forces in Ukraine's Donbas region in the year 2014. Moscow City Court said Girkin was found guilty of "public calls to carry out extremist activities", further adding that the 53-year-old would serve his sentence of imprisonment in a general regime colony. "I serve the Fatherland!" Girkin yelled out after the verdict was read out. Also read: Daria Trepova gets 27 jail years for killing pro-war blogger in bombing Arrests outside Moscow court As per news agency AFP, police had captured three people, with one of them chanting "Freedom for Girkin!" while others held posters with nationalist slogans. WATCH | Russia: Putin's opponent Nadezhdin backs ending Ukraine war | Race to Power × Calling the accusations against Girkin "absurd", his wife rebuffed the allegations. "The accusation is absolutely absurd," Girkin's wife Miroslava Reginskaya said. "My husband is a hero of the Russian Spring," she added, referring to the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine. His lawyer, Alexander Molokhov, called the sentence "an ugly judicial act", and said he would appeal against the verdict soon. Girkin was arrested in 2023 over the charges of "extremism" after months of public attacks on Russian troops. He had also denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin for not pushing an offensive aggressive enough against Ukraine. Dubbing Putin "an old idiot", he took to his social media handle and said that the "country will not survive another six years of this cowardly mediocrity in power", before being arrested. Girkin's detention was considered a prominent example of how Russia was suppressing the nationalist critics. During his pre-trial custody, he launched a campaign to challenge Putin in the next presidential election scheduled to be held in March. While in jail, he gave an interview to the Russian media, where he said that the country had "entered a period of acute instability" and faced "imminent catastrophe". (With inputs from agencies)

Russia jails ultra-nationalist Putin critic Igor Girkin for four years over 'extremism' charges

<p>Igor Girkin, a prominent ultranationalist currently in Russian custody on charges of inciting extremism, has nominated himself for the 2024 presidential race, according to an announcement made on his behalf by Oleg Nelzin, co-chair of the Russian Movement for Strelkov.</p>

<p>Girkin, who previously asserted he would make a better president than Vladimir Putin, issued a letter instructing his followers to establish a headquarters and gather signatures for his candidacy.</p>

<p>Girkin's August statement from custody, where he criticised Putin as "too kind" and declared his own presidential ambitions, was laden with irony. Despite being considered an improbable contender, Girkin, also known for his role in the downing of a Malaysian passenger plane over eastern Ukraine in 2014, has persisted in pursuing his political aspirations.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Putin calls Israel against using 'cruel' tactics in Gaza</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Extending investigation and signature collection</strong></h2>

<p>Supporters of Girkin announced in September that the criminal investigation into his activities had been extended until December 18.</p>

<p>In response, Girkin's letter, as read by Nelzin, directed his followers to actively organise and collect the necessary signatures for his presidential candidacy, signalling a determined push for political relevance.</p>

<p>Girkin, who lost an appeal against pre-trial detention in August, is recognised in the West for his conviction in absentia by a Dutch court regarding the Malaysian plane incident. His controversial past and legal battles add complexity to his unexpected bid for the presidency.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-trumps-wests-sanctions-as-moscow-proposes-largest-ever-federal-budget-659280">Also read |&nbsp;Putin trumps West's sanctions as Moscow proposes largest-ever federal budget with defence focus</a></p>

<h2><strong>Putin's unmatched&nbsp;popularity</strong></h2>

<p>While Girkin pursues his political ambitions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has asserted that Putin enjoys unprecedented support and would secure an overwhelming majority if he chose to run in the 2024 election.</p>

<p>The emergence of Girkin as a contender adds a layer of intrigue to Russia's political landscape, prompting scrutiny and speculation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Igor Girkin, a prominent ultranationalist currently in Russian custody on charges of inciting extremism, has nominated himself for the 2024 presidential race, according to an announcement made on his behalf by Oleg Nelzin, co-chair of the Russian Movement for Strelkov.

Igor Girkin, a prominent ultranationalist currently in Russian custody on charges of inciting extremism, has nominated himself for the 2024 presidential race, according to an announcement made on his behalf by Oleg Nelzin, co-chair of the Russian Movement for Strelkov. Girkin, who previously asserted he would make a better president than Vladimir Putin, issued a letter instructing his followers to establish a headquarters and gather signatures for his candidacy. Girkin's August statement from custody, where he criticised Putin as "too kind" and declared his own presidential ambitions, was laden with irony. Despite being considered an improbable contender, Girkin, also known for his role in the downing of a Malaysian passenger plane over eastern Ukraine in 2014, has persisted in pursuing his political aspirations. Also watch | Putin calls Israel against using 'cruel' tactics in Gaza Extending investigation and signature collection Supporters of Girkin announced in September that the criminal investigation into his activities had been extended until December 18. In response, Girkin's letter, as read by Nelzin, directed his followers to actively organise and collect the necessary signatures for his presidential candidacy, signalling a determined push for political relevance. Girkin, who lost an appeal against pre-trial detention in August, is recognised in the West for his conviction in absentia by a Dutch court regarding the Malaysian plane incident. His controversial past and legal battles add complexity to his unexpected bid for the presidency. Also read | Putin trumps West's sanctions as Moscow proposes largest-ever federal budget with defence focus Putin's unmatched popularity While Girkin pursues his political ambitions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has asserted that Putin enjoys unprecedented support and would secure an overwhelming majority if he chose to run in the 2024 election. The emergence of Girkin as a contender adds a layer of intrigue to Russia's political landscape, prompting scrutiny and speculation. (With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Russian ultranationalist nominates self for 2024 presidential race. Can he beat Putin?

<p>Igor Girkin, prominent pro-war Russian nationalist was detained in Moscow on Friday (July 22). Girkin has previously accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and army leaders of not conducting the Ukraine war harshly or effectively enough. He now faces charges of inciting extremism.</p>

<p>The move suggests authorities have wearied of his criticism of what they call Russia's "special military operation", and perhaps that of other loud nationalist voices who had appeared to have an exceptional licence to deride the war effort.</p>

<p>The action against Girkin has come weeks after a short-lived mutiny by another outspoken critic, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group chief. Progozhin is still free but now has sharply curtailed his verbal attacks.</p>

<p>Prosecutors from the Federal Security Service (FSB) security service asked Moscow's Meshchansky district court to remand Girkin in custody on a charge with a maximum sentence of five years in prison, state news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine forces struggle to counter Russia's 'Oink' missile</strong></p>

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<p>Girkin, who is a former battlefield commander is also known as Igor Strelkov. He was involved in Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. He then organised pro-Russian militias who have been instrumental in wresting part of eastern Ukraine out of Kyiv's control.</p>

<p>A Dutch court handed Girkin a life sentence in absentia in 2022 for his alleged role in shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew.</p>

<p>Girkin was seen standing almost motionless in a glass cage with arms folded, in footage from the court posted by the popular Telegram channel Shot.</p>

<p>He is regarded by many to be untouchable due to his ties with the authorities. But in recent months, he had become more outspoken in recent months.</p>

<p>Asked at the time if he was naive to think he could launch a political movement without the assent of the Kremlin, he said: "I hope you would not call me a naive person."</p>

<h2><strong>Attack on Putin</strong></h2>

<p>In one of his tirades on July 18, one of his most outspoken ones, Girkin made a post and peppered Putin with personal insults and urged&nbsp;him to transfer power "to someone truly capable and responsible". The post was read by over 760,000 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-warns-poland-will-act-to-agression-against-belarus-618183">Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Poland: ‘Will act to aggression against Belarus’</a></strong></p>

<p>In a message posted on Girkin's official Telegram account, his wife, Miroslava Reginskaya, said:&nbsp;"Today, at about 11:30 a.m., representatives of the Investigative Committee came to our house. I was not at home. Soon, according to the concierge, they took my husband out by his arms and in an unknown direction."</p>

<p>She further said that friends told her Girkin had been charged with extremism.</p>

<p>"I do not know anything about my husband's whereabouts, he has not contacted me," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Igor Girkin, prominent pro-war Russian nationalist was detained in Moscow on Friday (July 22). Girkin has previously accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and army leaders of not conducting the Ukraine war harshly or effectively enough.

Igor Girkin, prominent pro-war Russian nationalist was detained in Moscow on Friday (July 22). Girkin has previously accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and army leaders of not conducting the Ukraine war harshly or effectively enough. He now faces charges of inciting extremism. The move suggests authorities have wearied of his criticism of what they call Russia's "special military operation", and perhaps that of other loud nationalist voices who had appeared to have an exceptional licence to deride the war effort. The action against Girkin has come weeks after a short-lived mutiny by another outspoken critic, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group chief. Progozhin is still free but now has sharply curtailed his verbal attacks. Prosecutors from the Federal Security Service (FSB) security service asked Moscow's Meshchansky district court to remand Girkin in custody on a charge with a maximum sentence of five years in prison, state news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported. Watch | Ukraine forces struggle to counter Russia's 'Oink' missile × Girkin, who is a former battlefield commander is also known as Igor Strelkov. He was involved in Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. He then organised pro-Russian militias who have been instrumental in wresting part of eastern Ukraine out of Kyiv's control. A Dutch court handed Girkin a life sentence in absentia in 2022 for his alleged role in shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew. Girkin was seen standing almost motionless in a glass cage with arms folded, in footage from the court posted by the popular Telegram channel Shot. He is regarded by many to be untouchable due to his ties with the authorities. But in recent months, he had become more outspoken in recent months. Asked at the time if he was naive to think he could launch a political movement without the assent of the Kremlin, he said: "I hope you would not call me a naive person." Attack on Putin In one of his tirades on July 18, one of his most outspoken ones, Girkin made a post and peppered Putin with personal insults and urged him to transfer power "to someone truly capable and responsible". The post was read by over 760,000 people. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Poland: ‘Will act to aggression against Belarus’ In a message posted on Girkin's official Telegram account, his wife, Miroslava Reginskaya, said: "Today, at about 11:30 a.m., representatives of the Investigative Committee came to our house. I was not at home. Soon, according to the concierge, they took my husband out by his arms and in an unknown direction." She further said that friends told her Girkin had been charged with extremism. "I do not know anything about my husband's whereabouts, he has not contacted me," she said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pro-war nationalist charged with inciting extremism after tirade against Putin

<p>Dutch prosecutors have accused Russia of trying to sabotage the investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 in Ukraine in 2014, saying this has cast ''a dark shadow''&nbsp;over the impending trial of four suspects.</p>

<p>Three Russians and a Ukrainian are on trial over the 2014 crash of the Malaysia Airlines jet in rebel-held eastern Ukraine with the loss of all 298 people on board, 196 of the Dutch.</p>

<p title="title"><strong>Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-questions-about-the-mh17-trial-284521c">Five key questions about the MH17 trial</a></strong></p>

<p>Moscow had tried to track down witnesses in the trial that started in the Netherlands, leaving some in fear for their lives in case they were identified, prosecutors said.</p>

<p>"There are clear indications that Russian security services are actively attempting to disrupt efforts to establish the truth behind the shooting down of flight MH17," prosecutor Thijs Berger told judges.</p>

<p>Russian spies had also tried to hack Malaysian and Dutch authorities investigating the crash, he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mh17-calls-show-ties-between-russian-officials-rebels-262134">MH17 calls 'show ties between Russian officials, rebels'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Seen as a whole, this information casts a dark shadow over these proceedings," Berger said.</p>

<p>The trial opened in the absence of the suspects which includes Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and Ukrainian citizen Leonid Kharchenko.&nbsp;</p>

<p>International investigators say the Boeing 777 was hit by a Russian-made BUK surface-to-air missile, fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels battling Kiev.</p>

<p>Relatives of those who died have repeatedly called for the trial to examine the role of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in the crash.</p>

<p>The case was adjourned for two weeks and will resume on 23 March.</p>

<p>MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on 17 July 2014 when it was shot down by a missile fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels amid fighting in eastern Ukraine.</p>


Dutch prosecutors have accused Russia of trying to sabotage the investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 in Ukraine in 2014, saying this has cast ''a dark shadow'' over the impending trial of four suspects.

Dutch prosecutors have accused Russia of trying to sabotage the investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight 17 in Ukraine in 2014, saying this has cast ''a dark shadow'' over the impending trial of four suspects. Three Russians and a Ukrainian are on trial over the 2014 crash of the Malaysia Airlines jet in rebel-held eastern Ukraine with the loss of all 298 people on board, 196 of the Dutch. Also see: Five key questions about the MH17 trial Moscow had tried to track down witnesses in the trial that started in the Netherlands, leaving some in fear for their lives in case they were identified, prosecutors said. "There are clear indications that Russian security services are actively attempting to disrupt efforts to establish the truth behind the shooting down of flight MH17," prosecutor Thijs Berger told judges. Russian spies had also tried to hack Malaysian and Dutch authorities investigating the crash, he said. Also read: MH17 calls 'show ties between Russian officials, rebels' "Seen as a whole, this information casts a dark shadow over these proceedings," Berger said. The trial opened in the absence of the suspects which includes Russian nationals Igor Girkin, Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and Ukrainian citizen Leonid Kharchenko. International investigators say the Boeing 777 was hit by a Russian-made BUK surface-to-air missile, fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels battling Kiev. Relatives of those who died have repeatedly called for the trial to examine the role of Russia in the crash. The case was adjourned for two weeks and will resume on 23 March. MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on 17 July 2014 when it was shot down by a missile fired from territory held by pro-Moscow rebels amid fighting in eastern Ukraine.

Russian meddling casts 'dark shadow' over MH17 trial, says prosecutors

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Russia jails ultra-nationalist Putin critic Igor Girkin for four years over 'extremism' charges

Jailed Russian ultranationalist nominates self for 2024 presidential race. Can he beat Putin?

Pro-war nationalist charged with inciting extremism after tirade against Putin

Russian meddling casts 'dark shadow' over MH17 trial, says prosecutors