Dmitry Glukhovsky, author of metro Books, which have since become a popular series of video games, said he is now on a Russian “wanted list” after publicly criticizing the invasion of his homeland in Ukraine.
in the a telegram post dated June 7th-how reported by Radio Free Europeabove PC gamer—Glukhovsky says he was put on the list after repeated statements against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian armed forces. He did that in radio interviews and on his Instagram accountwho “discredit” the government’s actions. He says he will continue to say “Stop the War!” despite the warning. and will oppose “the Russian Federation … unleashing a war with Ukraine.”
It is not the first time that the author has attracted the attention of the Russian authorities; In 2021, he spoke out against the detention of anti-Putin leader Alexei Navalny – following what Amnesty International called a “sham” trial – and called for his release in a video he posted online.
Being put on the list means Glukhovsky – who is currently outside Russia – faces a series of escalating punishments if he is ever arrested by Russian authorities RFE to explain:
In early March, President Vladimir Putin signed a law calling for lengthy prison sentences for spreading “deliberately false information” about Russian military operations while the Kremlin seeks to control the narrative of its war in Ukraine.
The law provides for prison sentences of up to 10 years for those convicted of a crime, while the penalty for spreading “deliberately false information” about the Russian army leading to “serious consequences” is 15 years in prison.
It also makes it illegal to “appeal against the use of Russian troops to protect Russia’s interests” or “discredit such use,” with a possible penalty of up to three years in prison. The same applies to calls for sanctions against Russia.
