Shaman who challenged Putin to stay in psychiatric hospital

In 2019, Aleksandr Gabyshev, also known as "the Shaman," set out on a walking journey from Yakutsk to Moscow. During the march, more supporters began to join him.

Putin is a bloody demon. When he's gone, freedom will come - Gabyshev said to the Belsat agency camera before embarking on his mission.

The man did not reach the Russian capital. After walking close to 2,700 kilometres, he was detained by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) and the Special Operations Mobile Unit (OMON). The services sent him home. When he refused to return, he was taken to a psychiatric hospital.

In a new court decision, the "Shaman" will remain in the psychiatric hospital. This is how the Russian authorities deal with "inconvenient" and rebellious citizens who gather followers around them and openly speak of their dislike for Putin.

The Yakutsk shaman Aleksandr Gabyshev will remain in forced treatment at a "specialised psychiatric institution." The court once again refused to transfer him to a regular psychiatric hospital to ease the type of treatment, reported the Belsat agency on platform X.

The shaman is a historian by education. He graduated from the State University in Yakutsk. However, he never worked in the profession. He was employed as a janitor and a welder. His plan to "overthrow Putin" involved a completely peaceful ritual.

The shaman intended to light a fire in Red Square and "feed" the fire with horsehair and kumis (an alcoholic drink resulting from the alcoholic fermentation of milk sugar – ed. note). However, the plan did not succeed.

Remaining isolated for years, Gabyshev continues to fight for his freedom. However, nothing indicates that he will be able to leave the hospital voluntarily anytime soon.

Earlier, the man's lawyers reported that in the "specialised" facility, Gabyshev was most likely receiving increased doses of psychotropic medications to limit his motor skills, according to the Nexta agency on platform X.