Russian Wives of Conscripts Stage Protest, Authorities Detain Journalists

Public Unrest Over Russian Military Mobilization

Approximately two dozen individuals, including many connected to media outlets, were detained in Moscow at an event by wives demanding the return of their husbands who have been mobilized to participate in the conflict in Ukraine. This protest, ominously timed with 500 days since President Vladimir Putin initiated partial mobilization as the Russian invasion of Ukraine escalated.

Moscow Police Detain Foreign Journalists

An estimated 20 journalists from foreign media agencies were held in central Moscow on Saturday as protests unfolded near Putin’s election headquarters. Here, wives of Russian soldiers were demanding the safe return of their loved ones from the war in Ukraine. Our sources state that a total of 27 individuals, including journalists and human rights activists, were detained.

Unruly Crowd or Symbol of Defiance?

Known as the ‘wives of the mobilized,’ this group of brave women have been growing more vocal with their demands. Initially, they sought the return of their husbands and sons from the frontline in Ukraine. Now, they openly express their criticism towards President Putin’s war in Ukraine. The Netherlands’ Foreign Minister, Hanke Bruins Slot, voiced his concern over the detentions.

Unofficial Rally Results In Detainment

A crowd, which included journalists, was detained by authorities in central Moscow during a protest against the mobilization of men to fight in Ukraine. This group, which represents the wives of mobilized soldiers, convened near the Kremlin wall to pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument. The Moscow prosecutor’s office stated that the rally had not been sufficiently coordinated with them, resulting in a stern warning being issued about instigating unauthorised mass events.

Consequence of the Protest

Not only journalists, but people from various walks of life were detained at this protest. The demand of the protestors was simple and clear – they wanted their loved ones, who had been mobilized to combat in Ukraine, to be sent back to their homes.

Pressure on Authorities

The protest was arranged by The Way Home, a local grassroots organisation. The movement aimed at expressing unity and demanded the discharge of those reservists who were conscripted in 2022. In total, 27 individuals were detained, mostly journalists. The protestors rejected being labelled as Western puppets and called for their family members to be returned home safely.

Detentions Spark International Concern

Several people, including foreign journalists, have been detained in Moscow. Authorities cracked down on the protestors who had convened at Putin’s election headquarters. The protesters were the wives and family members of conscripts who demanded that their loved ones be brought back from the war in Ukraine. Detainees were reportedly denied access to lawyers and had their personal properties confiscated. The controversial foreign agents law was cited as the basis for the detention of individuals critical of the Ukrainian war.