Russian authorities detain hospice founder Lida Moniava on false war info charges

Russian investigators announced the detention of Lida Moniava, the founder of the Lighthouse hospice that cares for critically ill children in Moscow and surrounding areas. Authorities charged her with deliberately disseminating false information on Telegram about the Russian military’s actions against civilians in Ukraine, stating she has not admitted guilt. Moniava, a prominent advocate for pediatric palliative care, has publicly condemned the four-and-a-half-year war, calling it a crime that must end.

Her organization confirmed it is awaiting further information about her status but will maintain its services. The charge comes after she was fined earlier in 2026 for allegedly discrediting the army, and it occurs amid intensified Russian laws penalising “discrediting” the armed forces, with over 1,380 prosecutions for anti-war speech since the invasion began.