FSB opens criminal case against editor-in-chief of Belgorod outlet Pepel over alleged justification of terrorism

The Belgorod branch of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has opened a criminal case against Nikita Parmenov, editor-in-chief of Pepel, a news outlet covering Russia's Belgorod border region. He is charged with justifying terrorism, according to the outlet Fonar, which cited a statement from the security service. The case is a new instance of pressure on independent media covering the war in Russia's border areas.

What the FSB says

The FSB states that Parmenov voiced support for the Russian Volunteer Corps and the "Freedom of Russia" Legion. Both are designated terrorist organizations in Russia. The press release does not quote the statements in question, say when they were made, or link to them. It does not name Parmenov, but says the person in the case has been designated a "foreign agent" and is located in one of the South Caucasus countries.

The outlet's account

Pepel suggested the case was probably prompted by a livestream on the YouTube channel Vremya Nakazhet ("Time Will Punish"). When the host asked 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 earlier written that Parmenov allegedly supports these units. According to Pepel, the channel's authors edited the stream and cut out the part in which Parmenov condemns the units for shelling Shebekino.

About the outlet

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.