De Russische beul achter MH17 voor de rechter om kritiek op Poetin

Summary

The transcript discusses Igor Girkin, a former Russian intelligence officer who helped instigate the 2014 war in eastern Ukraine. Girkin was convicted in absentia in the Netherlands for involvement in shooting down flight MH17. Now in Russia, Girkin has become an outspoken critic of Putin's management of the current war. He faces up to 6 years in prison for his criticism. The summary highlights Girkin's background in Russian intelligence, his pivotal role in the MH17 disaster and 2014 Ukraine conflict, and his emerging dissent against Putin's regime as the 2022 war flounders.

Takeaways

• 😮 Igor Girkin was convicted in the Netherlands for shooting down flight MH17 but today a Russian court will decide if he goes to jail for criticizing Putin.
• 👨‍✈️ Girkin, also known as 'Strelkov', is a former Russian intelligence officer who helped start the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014.
• 🛩 Girkin admitted to shooting down MH17, killing nearly 300 civilians, and bragged about it on social media afterwards.
• 🚫 Girkin wanted to conquer all of Ukraine in 2014 but Putin removed him for being too extreme.
• 🤬 Since being removed, Girkin has criticized Putin's leadership and the war, calling for Putin's "polibureau" to be executed.
• 👮 Girkin founded a nationalist group supporting Russia's invasion but spoke out when the war went badly, angering the Kremlin.
• 🔒 While peaceful anti-war protesters have been jailed for years, Girkin only faces 5 years for his criticism due to his intelligence ties.
• 🗳 Girkin is running for office but will likely be jailed during the March elections to keep him out of sight.
• 🤝 The mild sentence for Girkin contrasts with harsh penalties for activists, showing the leniency for former intelligence officers.
• 😠 Girkin's ultra-nationalism led to catastrophe in MH17, war in Ukraine, and remains a threat that must be contained.

Q & A

What crimes was Igor Girkin convicted of in the Netherlands?

Girkin was convicted in absentia in the Netherlands for murder for his role in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014, which killed 298 people. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

What is Girkin's background and his role in the Ukraine conflict in 2014?

Girkin is a former officer in Russia's FSB intelligence service. In 2014, he helped lead pro-Russian separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine and declared himself defense minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.

How did Girkin react when flight MH17 was shot down?

When MH17 was shot down, Girkin initially bragged about shooting down a Ukrainian plane. But when it became clear it was a passenger jet, he deleted the post and claimed the rebels did not have the means to down a plane at that altitude.

Why was Girkin removed from his position in Ukraine in 2014?

In 2014, Girkin was removed from his position after advocating for expanded military action in Ukraine beyond what the Kremlin wanted. He was seen as too much of an extremist nationalist.

How has Girkin opposed Putin's war in Ukraine?

Since the 2022 invasion, Girkin has strongly criticized Putin's military strategy in Ukraine. He has called for Putin's removal and a more aggressive prosecution of the war.

Why has Girkin now been arrested in Russia?

Girkin has been arrested in Russia for criticizing the war effort in Ukraine and calling for Putin's removal from power. His criticism went against the Kremlin's narrative on the war.

What punishment does Girkin potentially face for his criticism of Putin?

Girkin faces up to 6 years in prison for his public criticism of Putin and the war in Ukraine under Russia's laws against discrediting the armed forces.

Why might Girkin receive a relatively light sentence?

Despite his harsh criticism, Girkin may receive a lighter sentence of around 6 years due to his past connections to Russia's FSB intelligence service.

How does Girkin's potential sentence compare to punishments for other dissidents?

Girkin's potential 6 year sentence is very short compared to the harsh 10-15 year sentences handed down to regular Russian anti-war dissidents under the same laws.

Why does the Kremlin want Girkin silenced ahead of elections?

The Kremlin wants to silence Girkin's criticism ahead of Russian elections in March 2023. Although barred from running, Girkin's statements threaten the Kremlin's narrative.