The Moscow Basmanny Court is handling a high-profile case involving two online contributors accused of spreading misinformation about the Russian Armed Forces. The prosecutor has requested an in absentia sentence of thirteen years for Ruslan Leviev, also known as Karpuk, and Michael Naki, who is labeled in Russia as a foreign agent. The court context indicates a strong push to penalize content that authorities describe as harmful to national security and public order.
During the hearing, prosecutors stated their demand for a thirteen-year prison term in absentia. They also sought a ban on both individuals from managing any websites for a duration of five years. The proceedings reflect broad concerns in the legal system about the dissemination of false information online, particularly content that could influence public perception of military actions.
Investigators allege that in March of the previous year the two individuals produced a video in which they claimed to document actions by the Russian military in a misleading way. The video was later uploaded to a popular video platform, raising questions about the boundaries between free expression and official narratives of military events. In addition, prosecutors say that during live streams, young viewers were exposed to misinformation about the situation in a major coastal city, a development that authorities view as a direct attempt to sow confusion amid ongoing military operations.
On May 17 of the previous year, the Prosecutor General’s Office announced the detention of Michael Naki and Ruslan Karpuk, with the latter widely recognized in Russia as the founder of the Scanner Telegram channel. Russian officials describe both as participants or organizers in activities related to discrediting the Armed Forces. The case underscores the ongoing emphasis on monitoring social media and digital broadcasts for materials that could be interpreted as undermining the state’s military communications strategy.
Subsequently, the law enforcement and judicial bodies continued to pursue the matter with a focus on potential violations of the discrediting laws that govern statements about the Armed Forces. The involvement of an individual linked to a prominent online channel has amplified attention to how digital content creators can influence perceptions during sensitive national security events. The broader context includes detailed investigations into how information is shared across social platforms and messaging services within the country’s evolving regulatory framework.
Observers note that the case illustrates a tension between online freedom and legal restrictions designed to maintain public order and defend institutional narratives about military actions. The court’s pending decision is expected to shape how similar online activities are treated in the future, especially regarding the degree of responsibility assigned to individuals who publish or host potentially misleading material about armed forces. The matter remains a focal point for discussions about digital speech, state messaging, and the role of independent media in reporting on military operations.
Throughout the proceedings, the authorities have emphasized that the measures sought aim to deter disinformation and to uphold clear, reliable communications about security events. The outcome of this case could influence how future investigations address the spread of unverified or intentionally deceptive content on platforms that reach wide audiences across the country and beyond. The legal process continues to unfold as prosecutors and defense representatives present their positions and arguments to the court. The final ruling will determine the path forward for both individuals and similar online actors in similar circumstances. Attribution: Moscow Basmanny Court proceedings; source reporting from DEA News and official statements from the Prosecutor General’s Office.