Former Russian Militiaman Sentenced for Urging that Moscow be Isolated from Rest of the Country

Paul Goble

            Staunton, June 12 – In response to a suggestion that Moscow should restrict the access of students from the regions and republics to universities in the capital, a retired policeman has called for Moscow to be isolated from the rest of Russia. For his post to that effect, the Astrakhan resident was charged with promoting separatism and fined 70,000 rubles (800 US dollars).

            In March of last year, the 49-year-old retiree posted online that “Muscovy needs to be detached from Russia. A year later, local law enforcement personnel discovered the comment and brought him to trial (nemoskva.net/2026/06/12/astrahancza-oshtrafovali-za-predlozhenie-otsoedinit-moskvu-ot-rf/).

            “Human rights activists point out,” This is Not Moscow Speaking says that “this case stands out from the general pattern of repressive practices.” Cases about calling for separatism “most often target indigenous residents of national republics rather than those who seriously or ironically call for Moscow to secede from the rest of the country.”