A criminal case was opened in Khakassia against a journalist over alleged spreading of false information about the Russian Armed Forces, according to the press service of the regional Investigative Committee headquarters. The development comes as authorities scrutinize media reporting that may misrepresent military actions and personnel involved in operations across the region.
According to the agency, on April 4 the editor-in-chief of a regional online outlet published an article on the site and on social networks that allegedly contained intentionally misleading information, presented as reliable reporting. The publication questioned the participation of personnel from the Federal service department of the National Guard of the Russian Federation in a special operation linked to Ukraine in Khakassia. In particular, the material asserted inaccuracies about National Guard personnel, including their financial support and the conduct of their official duties during the operation, which prosecutors say could misinform the public.
The suspect, who has been detained, is expected to be questioned promptly. Authorities also conducted a search at the journalist’s residence as part of the investigation.
Russia has enacted legislation criminalizing the dissemination of false information about the Armed Forces, a law signed by the president at the start of March. The measure aims to deter misreporting about military affairs and protect the credibility of official military communications. Civil authorities have indicated that online platforms and local media outlets should exercise caution when sharing information that could be construed as creating unwarranted doubt or distress among the public. The timing of the law follows a broad backdrop of heightened sensitivities around national security and information integrity.
Earlier in February, the president publicly announced the initiation of a special operation in Ukraine, citing a need to respond to requests from regional authorities in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics and to secure Russia’s interests. The move marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict and its media coverage, with authorities repeatedly emphasizing the importance of accuracy in reporting during times of crisis. The broader implication for media outlets is a call to verify facts carefully and to distinguish between official statements and unverified claims, in an environment where information travels rapidly across multiple channels and audiences seek timely updates. (Source: regional Investigative Committee press service)