Renowned film producer Alexander Rodnyansky and theater director Ivan Vyrypaev are facing arrest after a Moscow court issued an order against them for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian army. Although the court hearings took place on April 27, the information was only made public by the court on Wednesday.
The court's press service revealed that Rodnyansky and Vyrypaev, who are currently residing outside of Russia, will be placed in custody once they are detained or extradited by Russian authorities. Furthermore, the Russian Interior Ministry has included Vyrypaev on the federal wanted list.
Rodnyansky, originally from Kyiv, has played a prominent role in the Russian film industry in recent decades. Following the commencement of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he departed from Russia and has since been openly critical of the war. In October 2022, Russia's Justice Ministry designated Rodnyansky as a foreign agent.
Ivan Vyrypaev, a celebrated playwright, director, and actor, has been residing and working in Warsaw for several years and has also voiced opposition against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Since Putin's deployment of troops to Ukraine, the Russian government has embarked on a severe crackdown on dissent, reminiscent of the Soviet era. Criticism of the war has been criminalized, resulting in fines, imprisonment, job terminations, blacklisting, branding as foreign agents, and individuals fleeing Russia.