Moscow has declared the Russian “Freedom of Russia” legion, which is fighting on the side of Ukraine, a “terrorist” organization. This bans the organization’s activities “on Russian territory,” according to Russian news agencies. Members and supporters face severe penalties up to life imprisonment.
The Supreme Court of Russia issued the ban at the request of the Prosecutor General, according to his office in the online service Telegram. The Legion was formed “to undermine the constitutional foundations of Russia, to overthrow power in the country, including by committing acts of terrorism,” the statement said. The legion, made up of Russian fighters, is part of the international volunteer corps within the Ukrainian army, its emblem is a punching fist with the words “Freedom” and “Russia” written above it. It was founded at the beginning of the Russian military offensive in Ukraine.
