Lev Shlosberg, the deputy chairman of the Yabloko party and a designated foreign agent, is facing a criminal case for allegedly discrediting the Russian army. The case, initiated under part 1 of article 280.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, stems from a debate with historian Yuri Pivovarov.

Searches were conducted on June 10 at multiple locations linked to Shlosberg. These included the apartments of Shlosberg and his wife, Zhanna, as well as his 96-year-old father, Mark Shlosberg, and the office of Pskov “Yabloko.” Authorities seized all equipment from these locations.

Shlosberg, accompanied by his lawyer, is currently at the Investigation Department of the Department of Internal Affairs, awaiting interrogation.

The investigation alleges that Shlosberg discredited the army by posting a video of the debate on the Odnoklassniki social network on January 12. This action, according to the investigation, constituted “public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in order to protect the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens, and maintain international peace and security.”

Shlosberg denies posting the video and claims he does not manage the Odnoklassniki page in question.

This criminal case follows two instances in 2024 where Shlosberg was held administratively liable for discrediting the army. Under Russian law, repeated offenses can lead to criminal charges.

Shlosberg also faces a separate criminal case for allegedly evading the duties of a foreign agent and abusing freedom of the media.

Previously, searches were conducted at Shlosberg’s apartment in October 2024 related to the foreign agent case. The reason given at the time was a video posted online without the required labeling. He has been involved in other cases related to discrediting the Armed Forces and abusing freedom of mass information.