Russian Political Columnist Dmitry Drize On Arrest Of Former Donetsk People's Republic Defense Minister: 'He Boldly Began To Speak Uncomfortable Truths About The President Of The Country'

On July 21, 2023, Dmitry Drize, a Russian political columnist at "Kommersant FM" radio, commented on the recent detention of Igor Girkin, an ardent supporter of war in Ukraine. Girkin, a retired FSB Colonel and former defense minister of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), was arrested on charges of extremism. In recent weeks Strelkov made a number of critical statements toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ministry of Defense officials. Girkin was condemning Russian leadership for its weakness, indecisiveness in the international arena, and poor performance in the war in Ukraine, calling for resolute actions and country-wide mobilization. His arrest drew criticism in Russia.

(Source: Twitter)

Following is the article by Drize:[1]

The "Club Of Angry Patriots"

"Igor Ivanovich Strelkov, born Igor Vsevolodovich Girkin, is such a well-known figure that there is no point in retelling his biography. The only thing is to remind the reader that, after unsuccessful attempts to get to the [Ukrainian] front (you can put it differently, if you wish),  he has been residing in Moscow lately, where he was engaged in public activity that turned political.

"The 'Klub Rasserzhennykh Patriotov [Club of Angry Patriots]' movement was established with his direct involvement. The essence of the project is quite clear – the key word is 'angry.' The point [of the club] is that the Russian government deploys far too liberal methods in dealing with its enemies in the form of Ukraine and the West, and that there are various incomprehensible figures within the country who allow themselves things beyond comprehension, while it is necessary to act tougher. It would have been better for Igor Strelkov to stop his indignations, but things went differently. What happened next is known by the popular phrase 'crossing of red lines.'

"So, his critiques became personal. First, he acted carefully, finding fault with officials of Ministry of Defense, but then he boldly began to speak uncomfortable truths about the president of the country.

"A natural question arises: Why are some people, without standing on ceremony, being put immediately behind bars for similar things, while others are allowed to go free? Yes, we all understand that merits and titles matter... And in general, patriots in Russia are allowed a little more than the rest. But still, 'all are equal before the law,' are they not?

"It is also worth asking who, in fact, should be considered a patriot in Russia and who should not. However, this is probably irrelevant in this case."

"It Is Hard To Tell Who Is A Patriot"

"Be that as it may, comrade Girkin has been too active lately. Things were going smoothly, but then a vigilant Yaroslavl native, a simple doctor serving in the 'Wagner' PMC, wrote an appeal [to the police against Girkin]. Law enforcers 'have to' react to the appeal, there is 'no other way,' 'nothing' could've been done here. If someone's suspicions were tingled by mentioning of Wagner PMC... well, I guess, it is just a simple coincidence.

"Naturally, there is no point in guessing what comes next. Probably, given his merits and rank, he will get some leniency (on the part of the authorities and court).

"Well, generally speaking, things got very complicated these days: It is hard to tell who is a patriot, and who is a liberal. It is not clear who is more dangerous and who is rocking the boat more.

"Wherein, sometimes it happens so that such critics – a sort of 'Robin Hood' and 'fighters against oligarchs' – are popular with the people. After all, the 'persecuted are popular in Russia.' Igor Ivanovich [Girkin] fits this role the best: He has a life sentence from the District Court in The Hague; he is wanted by the Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine in connection with charges of grave crimes. Well, it seems in his home country, too, Girkin now has troubles with the law enforcement agencies.

"In general, a certain reconfiguration of the system is not an unreasonable demand. After all, there is no telling what might happen next... Who is a friend, and who is an enemy? On the one hand, [Girkin is a] hero, but, on the other hand... sort of no longer a hero at all. How can an ordinary person make sense of all of it? Well, such an ordinary person might need help [of understanding on part of the state authorities].'"