Freedom of speech is banned: hundreds of new criminal cases for “discrediting” the army

In the summer of 2024, the human rights situation in Russia again deteriorated sharply. According to human rights activists, in the first six months, dozens of criminal cases were opened for “discrediting” the armed forces, “spreading fake news” and “propaganda of extremism.” Bloggers, journalists, and ordinary citizens who simply expressed doubts or published truthful information about the war were detained. Many administrative activists were forced to go abroad, others went into hiding. Independent media were closed, social networks tightened moderation, and blocking became more frequent. Even reposting news could cost a person his freedom. Society was intimidated: public discussion became almost impossible. Families who lost loved ones at the front were afraid to talk openly about losses, about pain, about grief. Make a mistake and you're guilty. July 2024 was the month when it became clear: not only did control increase, but the very possibility of civil criticism was destroyed. Freedom of speech is not an empty term, but a foundation that has begun to be broken.