The local dictatorship recognized Meta as an extremist and added it to the terrorist list. Its social networks Facebook and Instagram are blocked, but WhatsApp messenger is not affected by the sanctions – it can still be used without a VPN. However, the law does not provide for any liability for the use of both prohibited services, and the authorities emphasize that citizens may not hesitate to continue using them. Legal consequences may arise only for financial cooperation with Meta.

WhatsApp calls

The story of a 29-year-old Moscow resident, who allegedly served in the navy, appeared on the website “9111”, which calls itself a legal social network.

• A policeman, a soldier, and a witness came to his house for subpoenas, but the man could not be found in the house.
• Then they decided to video call on WhatsApp.
• The governor asked for the subpoena to be lifted, adding that he could not hide from the army because he “sees his face”.

Call for 29-year-old Moscow resident / Photo 9111

Similar stories were repeatedly encountered in another city, Temeni. There, the local publication “72.ru” published a lengthy article telling the story of a woman who received a call on her own WhatsApp account, published on behalf of her son. At the same time, they threaten to declare him wanted if he doesn’t show up.

The Military Commissariat itself opposes the “journalists” of the Russian publication, who are engaged in sending summonses through the messengers, calling such actions “fraudulent”.