Iļja Remeslo, a blogger known for his loyalty to the Kremlin, publicly criticized Vladimir Putin, leading to concerns for his safety after he was placed in a psychiatric hospital following his statements.
Iļja Remeslo, a 42-year-old lawyer and blogger, recently published a post on his Telegram channel titled "Five Reasons Why I Stopped Supporting Vladimir Putin." In this post, he accused the Russian president of sending troops to a dead-end war in Ukraine, destroying the economy, lowering the quality of life, intensifying control over the internet and media, and allowing rampant corruption. He claimed Putin is not a legitimate president and should step down to face justice as a war criminal and a thief.
His direct and public attack on Putin is unusual among the so-called "Z-bloggers" who occasionally criticize the authorities in Russia. This bold stance has sparked speculation across the political spectrum in Russia. Remeslo, who lives in St. Petersburg, mentioned that he intends to remain in Russia unless his family is threatened and is prepared to face any criminal charges that authorities might bring against him.
However, just a day after his critical remarks, Remeslo reportedly disappeared, raising alarms about his safety and the potential repercussions of his outspoken views. This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by dissenters in Russia, particularly those who directly challenge the regime and its actions in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and underscores the fragile state of free expression in the country.
