Wed Sep 25 07:37:01 UTC 2024: ## Former Wagner Mercenary Elected to Local Parliament Amid Concerns Over Returning Soldiers’ Crimes

**Krasnovishersk, Russia** – Mikhail Ostryansky, a former Wagner mercenary who fought in Ukraine, has been elected speaker of the local parliament in the Perm region. This appointment has sparked controversy, coming amidst a wave of reports about crimes committed by returning soldiers, including former Wagner members.

Ostryansky, a 65-year-old ex-police officer, now holds the highest position currently occupied by a returning soldier since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His election follows President Vladimir Putin’s declaration that those fighting in Ukraine should become Russia’s new elite and be allowed to occupy state positions.

While over 300 soldiers who participated in the conflict were elected as lawmakers across the country in recent elections, their reintegration has proven problematic. Hundreds of cases of violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault, have been linked to former Wagner mercenaries and other military personnel returning from Ukraine.

Russian courts have tended to hand down lenient sentences to these individuals, citing their patriotism and contributions to the war effort. However, the public is increasingly concerned about the rising crime rates and the potential for these individuals to abuse their newfound power.

The Kremlin has acknowledged these concerns, with the presidential administration urging state-run media outlets to avoid reporting on crimes committed by returning soldiers. In January, Putin ended the practice of exonerating individuals recruited from prisons for their participation in the war, instead granting them parole without clearing their criminal records.

The election of Ostryansky highlights the complex challenges facing Russia in integrating returning soldiers and managing the potential for increased crime and violence. While the government has taken steps to address these concerns, the public remains wary about the long-term consequences of the war on their communities.

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