Bastrykin seeks report on criminal case over Rzhev memorial desecration
In short
The head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, has demanded a report on a criminal case over the desecration of the Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier in Tver Oblast, according to TASS and Kommersant. Kommersant reported that the case was opened after a video appeared on social networks showing young people near the monument, with one young woman using obscene words about the memorial. The investigation is under Part 3 of Article 354.1 of the Criminal Code, which covers public desecration of symbols of Russian military glory, and investigators are working to identify those involved, Kommersant said.
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The head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, has demanded a report on a criminal case opened over the desecration of the Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier in Tver Oblast. The demand was reported by TASS and, in more detail, by Kommersant, which cited the Investigative Committee’s press service. Bastrykin instructed Sergei Shepelev, acting head of the Tver Oblast Investigative Committee, to provide information on the progress of the investigation and the circumstances of the incident, Kommersant reported. [ 1 , 2 ]
The case was opened after a video appeared on social networks, according to Kommersant. TASS described the recording as showing unlawful actions. Kommersant reported that the video showed a group of young people walking near the monument, with one young woman describing the memorial using obscene words. The investigation is being conducted under Part 3 of Article 354.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code, which covers public desecration of symbols of Russian military glory, according to Kommersant. [ 1 , 2 ]
Investigative bodies are carrying out measures to identify those involved, Kommersant reported. It said the Rzhev Memorial is dedicated to the memory of Soviet soldiers killed in the battles near Rzhev in 1942–1943 during the Great Patriotic War. No suspects were named in the reports. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The case concerns a memorial to Soviet soldiers killed near Rzhev in 1942–1943, and the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee has asked for a report on its progress, indicating high-level attention within the law-enforcement system. Kommersant reported that the investigation falls under a law against public desecration of symbols of Russian military glory. The documents do not identify suspects, so the practical outcome remains limited to the investigation so far.
Key facts
- Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, demanded a report on the criminal case over desecration of the Rzhev Memorial to the Soviet Soldier. [ 1 , 2 ]
- A video recording of unlawful actions appeared on social networks, TASS reported. [ 1 ]
- Kommersant reported that the video showed a group of young people walking near the monument and one young woman describing the memorial with obscene words. [ 2 ]
- The investigation is being conducted under Part 3 of Article 354.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code, covering public desecration of symbols of Russian military glory, Kommersant reported. [ 2 ]
- Bastrykin instructed acting head of the Tver Oblast Investigative Committee Sergei Shepelev to report on the investigation’s progress and circumstances, Kommersant reported. [ 2 ]
- Investigative bodies are taking measures to identify those involved, Kommersant reported. [ 2 ]
- The Rzhev Memorial commemorates Soviet soldiers killed in battles near Rzhev in 1942–1943 during the Great Patriotic War, Kommersant reported. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The identity of those involved and whether anyone has been detained or charged. Kommersant says investigative bodies are taking measures to identify those involved; the documents do not name suspects or report arrests or charges.
- When the video was recorded or posted. Neither document gives a date or time for the video’s appearance; TASS only says it appeared on social networks.
- What stage the investigation has reached beyond Bastrykin’s request for a report. The documents say Bastrykin requested information on the investigation’s progress but do not describe any findings or next steps.