Penza Police Threaten Penalties Over 600-Subscriber Channel's Conscription Raid Reports
Updated
Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Jun 21
Penza Police Threaten Penalties Over 600-Subscriber Channel's Conscription Raid Reports
2 articles · Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Jun 21
Summary
Penza police said people spreading reports that men are being detained and sent to fight in Ukraine will face punishment, calling the claims "fake".
The Interior Ministry said officers are operating normally and argued the online reports are inflaming fears and contributing to a surge in crime and impunity.
A Telegram channel and chat created three days earlier to warn residents about alleged raids had drawn more than 600 subscribers by publication.
Mid-June reports from residents said men of conscription age were being rounded up and pressured to sign military contracts; a video showing women resisting men taking people away in minibuses was dismissed by the regional draft chief as staged.
Local residents cited by Meduza say the raids are still continuing even as police and the regional Interior Ministry deny any mass detentions or forced contract signings.