Just because of two anti-war messages on social networks, a 63-year-old has now been behind bars in Russia for seven years. The largest country in the world in terms of surface area has recently taken increasingly tougher lines against critical voices and is imposing ever-increasing prison sentences.
In mid-March last year, the man condemned in two comments the attacks by Russian soldiers on the Ukrainian capital Kiev and the port city of Mariupol, the Latvian-based Russian medium “Meduza” reported. A Moscow court has found him guilty of spreading ‘fakes’ about the Russian army.
In Russia, life does not come first
“While we kill children, we sing songs on Channel One (of television); We, Russia, have become godless – Lord, forgive us,” read the man’s post on VKontakte. In his second comment, he wrote: “Russian pilots are dropping bombs on children.”
In his closing words in court, the man stated that he valued everyone’s lives as the reason for his remarks. “Life is an unconditional value that should come first, even if it is not seen that way in our country,” he told “Meduza”. “I was raised that way.”
No mercy
Russian law provides harsh penalties for any criticism of the armed forces or the waging of war in neighboring Ukraine.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
