A Russian military court sentenced Leonid Volkov, a top aide to the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, to 18 years in prison in absentia on charges including extremism and wartime censorship, Russian news firms reportedon Wednesday.Volkov, who has lived in Lithuania given that 2019, was put on a wanted list in 2021 following nationwide demonstrations requiring Navalnys release from prison.
That same year, Russian authorities prohibited Navalnys political and activist groups as extremist, exposing workers and fans to prospective criminal charges.The Second Western District Military Court in Moscow discovered Volkov guilty on more than 40 counts under 9 various criminal charges, according to Interfax.The charges consist of organizing and financing an extremist organization, validating terrorism, restoring Nazism, spreading out incorrect information about the Russian armed force, endangering minors and developing an NGO that allegedly breaks people rights.
He was also founded guilty of scams and vandalism.The court imposed an additional fine of 2 million rubles ($25,300) and prohibited Volkov from using the internet for 10 years.The sentence, which can be appealed, would only work if Volkov is extradited to Russia.Volkov buffooned the decision on social media with a series of ironical posts.Damn.
What to do? he wrote.The trial was held behind closed doors.
Russian media previously reported that authorities pointed out issues that Volkovs advocates might stage extremist or terrorist acts versus those involved in the case.A former member of the Yekaterinburg City Duma, Volkov led Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) from 2021 to 2023.
He was added to Russias list of terrorists and extremists in 2022 and later on designated a foreign agent.A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are dealing with extraordinary obstacles.
Russias Prosecutor Generals Office has designated The Moscow Times as an unfavorable company, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at threat of prosecution.
This follows our earlier unjustified labeling as a foreign agent.
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia.
The authorities declare our work challenges the decisions of the Russian management.
We see things in a different way: we strive to supply accurate, impartial reporting on Russia.We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, decline to be silenced.
But to continue our work, we require your help.Your support, no matter how little, makes a world of difference.
If you can, please support us monthly starting from simply $2.
Its fast to establish, and every contribution makes a considerable impact.By supporting The Moscow Times, youre safeguarding open, independent journalism in the face of repression.
Thank you for standing with us.Continue Not prepared to support today? Advise me later.Remind me next monthThank you! Your reminder is set.We will send you one pointer email a month from now.
For information on the individual information we gather and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy.