A criminal case has been opened against Usman Baratov, a figure connected with the Uzbek diaspora group known as Vatandoş, on charges of inciting hatred and hostility. This information came from the press service of the capital’s Investigative Committee, the central body responsible for monitoring serious offenses. The case is being handled under the provisions of the Russian Criminal Code, and authorities have began formal proceedings to determine the extent of his involvement.
The authorities indicate that Baratov faces a charge that falls under clause c of Part 2 of Article 282, which addresses activities aimed at insulting or demeaning a group on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, language, or religion. The official publication references this article to frame the alleged crime within the relevant legal framework and to outline the nature of the alleged statements that may have violated the law.
According to investigators, the incident in question occurred in December of the previous year when Baratov allegedly published a post on a personal social media page that degraded the honor of a segment of Russian Federation citizens, including participants in a current security operation. At this stage, investigators say they are in the process of gathering additional evidence and are actively conducting inquiries with Baratov as part of the ongoing investigation. The case process also involves looking into potential accomplices who might be connected with the crime and who may have contributed to the spread or creation of the hostile content.
In parallel, there are ongoing efforts to locate other individuals who might be involved in the alleged offense. Reports indicate that search operations continue as the authorities seek to identify everyone linked to the publication and any related actions that could have escalated tensions or caused harm to public order or the reputation of those associated with security operations. The investigation remains focused on establishing the facts and ensuring that any findings are supported by solid evidence and appropriate procedural steps.
Earlier developments related to this case touched on related concerns when Olga Vradiy, who serves as a senior assistant to the head of the Moscow region headquarters of the Investigative Committee, reported that an incident occurred in a cafe in Chekhov. There, individuals engaged in a confrontation with a participant in a special operation, and the resulting dispute led to a criminal case being opened against the involved parties. This earlier episode is seen as part of the broader pattern of incidents linked to the public discussion surrounding security operations and the treatment of those connected to them. Investigators are examining whether the cafe incident intersects with the broader case against Baratov or represents a separate criminal matter that necessitates independent action and adjudication.
There are also references to previous events in Tyumen where participants linked to a special operation contemplated actions that involved harming or intimidating young people who had taken part in the security efforts. These discussions underscore the sensitive nature of public discourse around security operations and highlight the potential consequences when rhetoric crosses legal boundaries. The authorities emphasize that any such actions must be evaluated on their own merits within the framework of the law, with a careful consideration of the protection of public order and the rights of all citizens involved in or affected by these operations.