Russia Seeks New Charges Against Teenager Accused of Blowing Up FSB Building in Minecraft

Russia is seeking additional charges against Nikita Uvarov, a teenager previously convicted for distributing political leaflets near FSB buildings, according to reports. In June 2020, Uvarov, then 14, was arrested in Kansk, Siberia, alongside two friends, following an FSB investigation into the leaflet distribution incident. The case, dubbed the Kansk affair, saw the FSB use Uvarov's Minecraft gameplay as evidence of simulated FSB building destruction, leading to his five-year prison sentence for terrorism charges, reported BBC Russia.

Recently, a Russian activist group revealed that Uvarov faces new charges related to extremism. The Support Group disclosed that the Investigative Committee has added accusations of involvement in an extremist organization, as per Article 282.2 of the Criminal Code, Part 1.1. This could result in an additional 12 years of imprisonment.

The group argued that the charges are based on unsubstantiated claims of Uvarov's association with the non-existent AUE movement. Uvarov was set to be released in March 2026, but authorities charged him a month early with participating in extremist activities.

During his initial trial in 2022, Uvarov maintained his innocence, stating he was merely seeking friendships and camaraderie. He expressed hope for a fair sentence, emphasizing that he never preached any harmful ideologies to his friends, who he considered equals and just friends. His two companions were released without any charges.