A Russian military court on Monday denied a request to release Ivan Popov, the former commander of Russia’s 58th army, who was arrested on fraud charges. The court rejected the request to place him under house arrest, as reported by a Reuters journalist present in the courtroom.
Popov’s arrest follows a mutiny in June 2023 by Wagner mercenaries against Russia’s defense leadership. After the mutiny, Popov claimed he was dismissed for reporting the dire situation at the Ukrainian frontlines to senior officials. Known by his call sign “Spartacus” and admired by his troops, Popov accused senior commanders of betraying Russian soldiers.
According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, Popov is suspected of stealing over 130 million roubles ($1.44 million) worth of metal products meant for fortifications along the Ukrainian frontline. The Committee had requested his transfer to house arrest last Thursday.
Pro-Russian military bloggers have defended Popov, dismissing the charges and portraying him as a patriot punished for speaking the truth. A video published by the SHOT news agency showed Popov smiling in court on Monday after his request for house arrest was denied.
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