In recent discussions circulating within Telegram groups, concerns have grown about conversations that debate potential attacks on schools. Authorities in Moscow and the Moscow region, through the head of the law enforcement center, emphasized the serious legal risk tied to these chats. Analysts note that such online spaces can attract not only attention from the public but also intense scrutiny from police and prosecutors who monitor for signs of organized wrongdoing.
Experts explain that the act of creating these chats and taking part in them can be interpreted as the formation and participation in a terrorist organization. The legal framework may treat ordinary participants in these Telegram communities as liable for up to 15 years in prison, while organizers could face as much as 20 years, depending on the extent of orchestration and the intent behind the activity. The distinction between casual discussion and deliberate planning is central to how authorities assess potential charges.
The head of the center also noted that involvement in such groups could expose members to charges of hooliganism if conduct during the discussions crosses into base public disorder. A similar outcome could occur if investigators determine there was no clear intent to create a terrorist organization or to carry out a specific attack, yet actions still caused significant disruption or fear.
Officials add that it is sometimes possible to avoid criminal liability by taking proactive steps. Participants who recognize the risk and choose to exit the chat, then report their departure to law enforcement, may lessen potential accountability. This approach reflects a broader principle: cooperation with authorities and cessation of harmful activity can influence legal outcomes.
On September 11, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs issued clarifications regarding Telegram communities that discuss possible attacks on schools. According to the ministry, discussions in these spaces are often used to sow panic and destabilize the school environment. Officials reiterated that the goal of such messaging is to undermine public confidence and create a sense of insecurity among students, staff, and families.
There have been instances in the past where misleading messages were used to manipulate perceptions. In one noted case, scammers exploited fear by sending a message about a school-based terrorist attack to a person who dismissed the claim, underscoring how quickly misinformation can spread and how important timely verification is in risk-prone situations.