Facing a criminal case over an anti-war post, hospice founder Lida Moniava says she’ll leave the Lighthouse Charity Foundation’s leadership but not Russia

Hospice founder Lida Moniava announced she will relinquish leadership of the Lighthouse Charity Foundation but remain in Russia despite facing a criminal case. Moniava's friends disclosed the decision via her Telegram channel, stating she will step down as director and leave the board, though they affirmed the hospice can continue functioning without her.

Moniava herself is currently restricted from using the internet due to her legal predicament. She explained that the probe into her case will persist for several more months before reaching a trial. In the interim, she expressed her intention to finalize arrangements at the foundation to ensure its continued operation.

When asked about suggestions to emigrate, Moniava acknowledged receiving such advice but reiterated her resolve to stay in Russia. She attributed her decision to a Christian perspective, citing the challenges she's already experienced, including a pre-dawn search, incarceration, physical restraints, and confinement in a prison van. Despite these hardships, she emphasized her commitment to remaining in Russia during this turbulent period.

Moniava was apprehended on September 2, 2023, on charges of disseminating "fake news" regarding the Russian military through a post on her Telegram channel. The post, published on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, alleged that the nation had been delivering weapons and troops to Ukraine for a year, resulting in the deaths of innocent civilians.

Following her arrest, Moniava was brought before a judge who imposed conditions limiting her movements during daylight hours, communication with witnesses, and internet usage.