Moscow authorities open criminal case against volunteer guard at Boris Nemtsov memorial for alleged participation in pro-Ukraine Freedom of Russia Legion

The Russian authorities have opened a criminal case against Yevgeny Mishchenko, a volunteer guard at the makeshift memorial to murdered opposition politician Boris Nemtsov on Moscow’s Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge. According to online court records, Mishchenko stands accused of participating in the activities of a terrorist organization.

Mishchenko’s lawyer, Nikolai Fomkin, told Mediazona that his client is suspected of being involved in the Freedom of Russia Legion, a formation of Russian soldiers fighting for Ukraine. He said that Mishchenko was arrested on September 11.

In court, Mishchenko reported that he was beaten during his arrest. “Right now, my condition is bad. Broken ribs. During my arrest and during their investigative measures… I think it happened like it always does; everybody knows what can happen,” he said. After his arrest, he was taken to a medical center, where he was found to have three broken ribs.

Mishchenko also said that he admits his guilt, calling the crime a “mistake.”

“He’s in a state where he’s not comprehending things property,” Fomkin said in court. He asked for an ambulance to be called for Mishchenko, and the judge agreed to suspend the session.