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Criminal case opened against editor-in-chief of Russian border-region outlet Pepel on charges of justifying terrorism

Source: Fonar

The Belgorod branch of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a criminal case against Nikita Parmenov, editor-in-chief of the outlet Pepel, on charges of justifying terrorism, Fonar reported, citing a statement from the security service.

According to the FSB, Parmenov voiced support for the Russian Volunteer Corps and the “Freedom of Russia” Legion, both designated terrorist organizations in Russia.

The FSB’s press release does not include the actual statements, when they were made, or links to them, Fonar said. The security service did not name Parmenov but said the person named in the case has been designated a “foreign agent” and “is located in one of the South Caucasus countries.”

Pepel itself suggested the case was likely triggered by a livestream on the YouTube channel Vremya Nakazhet “Time Will Punish.” Asked by the host during the stream about his attitude toward volunteer units fighting on Ukraine’s side, Parmenov said he could not condemn Russians who join them. In the same stream, he also said he “unequivocally condemns” the actions of units that have shelled civilians in the Belgorod region.

The outlet said the pro-war Telegram channel Zapiski Veterana “A Veteran’s Notes” had previously written that Parmenov allegedly supports the Russian Volunteer Corps and the “Freedom of Russia” Legion. According to Pepel, the channel’s authors had edited the stream, cutting out the part where Parmenov condemns the units for shelling Shebekino.

Pepel launched in the fall of 2022. Its Telegram channel now has 170,000 subscribers, and the outlet covers the war and its aftermath in the Belgorod border region without censorship.

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