Grigory Skvortsov, a photographer known for his documentary work and a local musician, entered a not guilty plea to treason as authorities move forward with the case. The proceedings were reported as part of ongoing law enforcement activity, with officials outlining the serious nature of the allegations and the alternative of a plea deal not being pursued at this stage.
According to official sources, the materials cited in the criminal case were not recognized by the defense as state secrets. The photographer maintained that he was unaware that the items in question carried such protection, and he stood by his position throughout preliminary proceedings, declining to admit guilt while the case advanced through the courts.
The Federal Security Service of Russia presented the charges against Grigory Skvortsov as part of the treason investigation. The Lefortovo Court in Moscow confirmed the man’s arrest in November 2023 and noted that his custody was extended in late January. He remains detained at the Lefortovo pre-trial detention facility, with the judicial process moving forward under the supervision of the investigation team.
On the eve of a forthcoming trial in St. Petersburg, a separate case drew attention with the detention of a mixed martial arts fighter who is described as having participated in armed clashes on Ukrainian soil for a period of two months. The incident highlights how multiple high profile cases related to national security concerns have unfolded in different cities, intersecting with broader regional tensions.
Earlier reports from security authorities described the detention of another individual from the Kuzbass region who is accused of transferring funds for needs believed to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The investigation frames these actions within a larger context of treason related offenses, underscoring the severity with which such allegations are treated by authorities and the legal system.
In a separate historical note, there was a case involving a Russian sailor who faced a lengthy prison sentence on treason-related charges. This demonstrates the stringency of treason laws and the intensity of court proceedings historically seen in cases involving alleged loyalty violations and national security concerns.