Blogger Maria Makhmutova (also known as Maryam Satanova) faces charges of "discrediting" Russia's armed forces over critical Instagram posts about Russia Day, according to a statement from the Irkutsk regional police department. Authorities confirmed an ongoing investigation into her actions, which are being examined under both criminal and administrative statutes.
On June 12, Makhmutova shared a video in her Instagram Stories condemning Russia Day, stating: *"What a bullshit holiday—Russia Day. Seriously, what do you even have to be proud of? <...> Are you so desperate you have to murder people just to afford cars and apartments, then get wasted like there's no tomorrow and flaunt your stupid medals? <...> If every soldier in the 'special operation' dropped dead tomorrow, I'd celebrate with wine."*
Her remarks prompted complaints from Yekaterina Mizulina, head of the Safe Internet League, and the pro-war group "Call of the People," urging law enforcement to investigate. The Irkutsk regional Investigative Committee soon launched a probe.
Makhmutova was detained on June 13 and transferred to a psychiatric facility. State-run RT reported that officers *"recommended she go voluntarily, concerned about potential retaliation,"* adding that she *"complied without resistance."*