Ilya Remeslo, a pro-government Russian blogger known for his previous support of President Vladimir Putin, has been hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. This development follows a series of unexpected posts in which he criticized the Kremlin’s policies.
Reports emerged on March 19 from other bloggers within the Z-community, later confirmed by the St. Petersburg publication Fontanka, indicating that Remeslo was indeed a patient at the facility. Medical staff confirmed his admission, noting that he was placed in a department specializing in treating men with newly developed psychotic symptoms.
Remeslo, 42, had been actively engaging with media prior to his sudden disappearance from social media platforms. On March 17 and 18, he published posts that sharply criticized the Russian government, labeling the war in Ukraine as “hopeless” and calling for Putin to be judged as an “illegitimate president.” His comments sparked significant discussion among his peers, with some speculating that his account may have been hacked, a claim Remeslo denied.
His abrupt shift in stance has raised questions among observers, particularly given his history as a former member of Russia’s Public Chamber and his previous role in reporting on opposition figures, including Alexei Navalny. Remeslo had been known for his critical stance against opposition movements and had previously filed complaints against Navalny and his associates.
Some within the Z-community have suggested that Remeslo’s hospitalization may be an attempt to evade potential criminal charges stemming from his recent posts. His sister is a well-known psychiatrist in St. Petersburg, which has led to further speculation about his mental health status.
In a recent interview with journalist Alexander Plyushchev, Remeslo appeared composed and dressed in a shirt resembling military attire. He asserted that his criticisms of Putin were made independently and without external influence. He explained his change of heart regarding the president, citing a loss of respect following the events surrounding the Wagner Group’s rebellion and expressing doubts about Putin’s intentions regarding the war.
Remeslo articulated his desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, indicating that he preferred a diplomatic agreement between Russia and Ukraine rather than a prolonged military engagement. He expressed a belief that the current regime might soon collapse, although he did not provide a clear basis for this assertion.
Ilya Remeslo, a pro-Kremlin blogger, has been hospitalized in a psychiatric facility after publicly criticizing President Putin. His unexpected shift in stance raises questions about his mental health and potential legal repercussions.
Source: Deutsche Welle