Villagers form self-defense unit to stop forced conscription
Residents of Bashmakovo village near Penza organized a self-defense group to prevent forced conscription of men during military mobilization, after witnessing violent arrests, including of a man with a heart condition who died en route and an almost-blind disabled man. They now monitor the area 24/7 and use a chat system to warn each other of raids.
Consensus
- Residents of Bashmakovo near Penza organized a self-defense unit to prevent forced conscription of men.
- The group was formed after multiple violent arrests of men, including those with serious health conditions and disabilities.
- The villagers use a chat system to receive real-time alerts about mobilization raids.
- The group operates in shifts around the clock, including at night.
- The self-defense unit includes about 250 people.
- Local police did not respond to calls during the incidents.
- The men were taken in vehicles with local administration license plates.
- One man with a heart condition died before reaching the front line.
- An almost-blind disabled man was among those abducted.
- The villagers believe they must rely on themselves due to lack of official protection.
Coverage (2 sources)
- Hello! This is Realii.Weekly — Север.Реалии
- Hello! This is Realii.Weekly — Сибирь.Реалии