Angry Vladimir Putin vows 'justice' for organizers of mercenaries' uprising

[mystery-ak]

Angry Vladimir Putin vows 'justice' for organizers of mercenaries' uprising
By Sheri Walsh     |   June 26, 2023 at 5:58 PM

June 26 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke out Monday for the first time since hundreds of armed Wagner mercenaries briefly challenged Russia's military leadership, calling on rebellion organizers to be "brought to justice."

"This is criminal activity, which is aimed at weakening the country. This is a colossal threat," Putin said in a five-minute televised address to the nation.

Putin, who appeared visibly angry, said while Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin called off the rebellion shortly after it started, the "armed rebellion would have been put down anyway."

"Civic solidarity has shown that any blackmail attempts to create internal unrest are doomed to failure," Putin said. "They wanted Russians to fight each other. They rubbed their hands, dreaming of taking revenge for their failures at the front and during the so-called counteroffensive. But they miscalculated."

Putin blasted the uprising as traitorous and claimed Russia has united in its support of his leadership, saying the mercenaries actions "are resolutely rejected by the society."

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https://www.upi.com/amp/Top_News/World-News/2023/06/26/president-Vladimir-Putin-justice-wagner-rebellion/5161687814140/

[Kamaji]

Russia drops charges against Prigozhin and others who took part in brief rebellion

By Associated Press
June 27, 2023

Russian authorities said Tuesday they have closed a criminal investigation into the armed rebellion led by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, with no charges against him or any of the other participants.

The Federal Security Service, or FSB, said its investigation found that those involved in the mutiny “ceased activities directed at committing the crime.”

Over the weekend, the Kremlin pledged not to prosecute Prigozhin and his fighters after he stopped the revolt on Saturday, even though President Vladimir Putin had branded them as traitors.

The charge of mounting an armed mutiny carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison. Prigozhin escaping prosecution poses a stark contrast to how the Kremlin has been treating those staging anti-government protests.

Many opposition figures in Russia have received lengthy prison terms and are serving time in penal colonies notorious for harsh conditions.

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Source:  https://nypost.com/2023/06/27/russia-drops-charges-against-prigozhin-and-others-who-took-part-in-brief-rebellion/