Denis Kamaliagin
Denis Kamaliagin, born 1985, Pskov Oblast. Charges: Article 280.3 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, government agencies, or mercenaries); Article 330.1 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Violation of the procedure for activities of a foreign agent, committed by a person after being…); “Denis Kamaliagin's case of repeated discrediting of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”. Sentence (November 19, 2025): 3 years' imprisonment in absentia. Status: not in Russia.
In brief
Pskov Oblast · Pskov · Journalists · Anti-war cases, Cases against "foreign agents"
Sentence
3 years
imprisonment in absentia.
Upheld January 29, 2026
Charges
- Article 280.3 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, government agencies, or mercenaries
- Article 330.1 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Violation of the procedure for activities of a foreign agent, committed by a person after being persecuted for an administrative offence
Full wording of the charges
The reason for prosecution under the article on evasion of duties of a "foreign agent" was the lack of labelling on publications in Kamaliagin's Telegram channel. In July 2022, Kamaliagin was fined 35 thousand rubles (US$446) under the administrative article on discrediting the Russian army (Article 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences).
Latest event
January 29, 2026 — appeal
The court upheld the verdict.
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
upheld
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 3 years
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
· Persecution begins
Denis Kamaliagin's case of repeated discrediting of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
· Added to the register of “foreign agents”
Criminal case
Denis Kamaliagin's case of repeated discrediting of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
- Case number
- 1-514/2025
Thematic group: Anti-war case
Details and sources
Full summary
Editor-in-Chief of the "Pskov Gubernia" publication. In December 2020, he became one of the first people to be included in the foreign agent media registry. In November 2023, it became known that a criminal case was opened against him for discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. In December 2023, Kamaliagin was given a restraint in the form of recognisance not to abscond.
In February 2024, it was reported that Kamaliagin was also prosecuted for abdication of responsibilities as a "foreign agent." He was arrested in absentia.
On 19 November 2025, the journalist was sentenced in absentia to three years' imprisonment on charges of both cases.
All fields of the record
- Citizenship
- Russia
Other people prosecuted under Article 280.3 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.