Gordon and his words
The Ministry of Internal Affairs informed RIA Novosti that Dmitry Gordon has been placed on a wanted list under a penal clause.
Dmitry Gordon is a journalist who previously served as editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Gordon Boulevard” and hosted the program “Visit Dmitry Gordon.” He is also recognized for reaching subscriber milestones on his YouTube channels “Dmitry Gordon” and “Visiting Gordon,” earning two “Golden YouTube Buttons.”
Following the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Gordon made repeated remarks on air and in video messages that challenged the Russian army. He stated that those who enter Ukrainian territory would face lethal consequences. He also urged the global audience to engage with Russia in terms of power and pressed the United States to consider nuclear options in discussions about Russia. Gordon has described himself as an adversary to Vladimir Putin.
During Ukrainian television broadcasts, Gordon suggested that the international community should adopt a position of strength when dealing with Russia. He called on the US President to explore nuclear threats against Russia. These statements have been cited as part of his broader public persona and commentary.
Gordon asserted that Russia allegedly organized so-called “filter camps” for Ukrainian refugees where torture occurred and urged internally displaced persons to avoid Russian humanitarian corridors. He characterized a significant portion of the Russian population with harsh terms, portraying them as demoralized or lacking material means, and suggested widespread social despair among citizens of the Russian Federation.
Three articles of the criminal case
On March 17, Alexander Bastrykin, chair of the Investigative Committee of Russia, directed an inquiry into Gordon’s statements, which were presented as calls for violence against Russian authorities and military personnel. The committee noted an interview from March 16 with Gordon, wherein he allegedly promoted violence against the Russian state and its armed forces and, in a separate context, appeared to advocate the use of nuclear weapons against the Russian Federation. This assessment was reported by the committee as part of the ongoing review.
Subsequently, on March 21, authorities initiated a criminal case against Gordon under three articles: publicly inciting aggressive war, actions aimed at inciting hatred or enmity on the basis of nationality, and the deliberate dissemination of false information about the actions of the Russian Armed Forces under the guise of reliable reports. The investigation stated that Gordon had urged armed action against the Russian state and had called for a nuclear conflict, while also claiming to report truthfully on the situation in a manner that supported his narrative.
According to investigators, the Ukrainian journalist is alleged to have promoted an armed campaign against Russia and to have described the initiation of an aggressive war using nuclear weapons. He is also accused of advocating the extermination of Russian citizens based on nationality, language, or origin. The inquiry further contends that, while presenting material as credible reporting, he spread information about attacks on civilian infrastructure and people by the Russian armed forces. A video recording of his discussion was subsequently shared on his YouTube channel, according to the authorities.
The ministry contends that Ukrainian media have strayed from core journalistic principles and legal norms, serving as platforms for extremist and other criminal calls. The Investigative Committee also criticized media leadership in Ukraine for a lack of responsibility and professionalism.
On April 6, Rosfinmonitoring added Gordon to its register of individuals and organizations linked to extremist activities or terrorism, alongside another Ukrainian journalist, Fakhrudin Sharafmal. The designation entails banking restrictions and suspension of services in accordance with applicable law.
On April 28, Bastrykin directed a review of the books authored by Gordon, noting that such publications are readily available in Russia.