ST. PETERSBURG (dpa-AFX) – Kremlin propagandist Ilya Remeslo has been released from psychiatric hospital after 30 days. “Strong criticism of the highest state officials has its price – remember that,” the blogger wrote on Telegram after his dismissal. He described the conditions in the hospital as harsh compared to prison camps, among other things because of the lack of walks. He did not withdraw his criticism, but he would now express himself “in a more reserved and balanced manner, without personal attacks.”
In March, Remeslo was Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin called a thief, a war criminal and an illegitimate president. He also complained about the political and economic dead end that Putin had led the country into with the war in Ukraine. In addition, media freedom has been stifled and internet access is restricted. He was then unexpectedly admitted to a psychiatric clinic. Until then, Remeslo had become known primarily as a supporter of Kremlin politics and as an informer of the Russian opposition.
The authorities’ reaction to Remeslo’s change of heart should also be seen as a warning. Even during Soviet times, mental hospitals were used as an instrument to suppress dissidents. The forced accommodation of numerous dissidents there served to discredit them and break their will./ast/DP/he
