Russian activist and performance artist Pyotr Verzilov was sentenced in absentia to eight years and six months in prison for allegedly denigrating the army of his former homeland. The reason for the conviction was Verzilov’s criticism of the mass murders of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Bucha, near Kiev.
Judge Natalya Dudar ruled on Friday against the 36-year-old co-founder of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot.
Russia denies having anything to do with the murder of hundreds of civilians.
Versilov, who also has Canadian citizenship, left Russia long before the war started. In early October, the activist announced that he had joined the Ukrainian defense struggle against the invasion launched by Russia more than twenty months ago. He wants to help Ukraine win against Russia.
Due to the war efforts in Ukraine, Versilov gave up his position as editor of the news portal Mediazona, which he founded. The portal must continue to stand for independent and impartial journalism.
Source: Krone
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