Russian Activist Lev Schlosberg Sentenced to 11 Years for Criticizing Military
Lev Schlosberg, a well-known figure in Russia's opposition and a vocal critic of the Kremlin's military actions, has been handed an 11-year prison term. The verdict, delivered on T…
Lev Schlosberg, a well-known figure in Russia's oppositi…
Lev Schlosberg, a well-known figure in Russia's opposition and a vocal critic of the Kremlin's military actions, has been handed an 11-year prison term. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, stems from charges of 'discrediting' the Russian armed forces, a law that has been widely used to silence dissent since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.
Schlosberg, who co-chairs the liberal Yabloko party, denounced the trial as a politically motivated act of retaliation. In his final statement, he asserted that the sentence was not for any crime, but for his unwavering stance against the government's policies. His legal team has vowed to appeal, calling the proceedings a sham.
The case against Schlosberg is part of a broader crackdown on anti-war voices in Russia. Since February 2022, thousands have been detained for protesting or speaking out against the invasion, with many facing harsh penalties. The law, which criminalizes 'false' information about the military, has been criticized by human rights groups as a tool to suppress dissent.
Schlosberg, 60, has been in detention since his
Schlosberg, 60, has been in detention since his arrest in April 2022. His imprisonment is seen by observers as a warning to other public figures who might consider challenging the official narrative. The international community has repeatedly called for his release, with the European Union and the United States condemning the verdict.
In a rare show of defiance, supporters gathered outside the courthouse in Pskov, where the trial took place, holding banners that read 'Freedom for Lev'. Police quickly dispersed the crowd, but the demonstration underscored the persistence of anti-war sentiment despite the risks.
As Schlosberg begins his sentence in a penal colony, his case adds to the growing list of prominent dissidents jailed in Russia. For many, it is a stark reminder of the shrinking space for political opposition in the country, where even the most principled critics face severe consequences.