Russian opposition activist and vocal critic of President Putin, Vladimir Kara-Murza, has been handed down a 25-year prison sentence on charges related to his criticism of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was found guilty of treason, spreading “false” information about the Russian army, and having ties with an “undesirable organization”. Kara-Murza, a Russian-British former journalist and politician, is just the latest of many Putin opponents who have been arrested or forced to leave Russia.
The court’s decision has been met with widespread condemnation. Kara-Murza has spent years speaking out against Putin’s regime, including their actions in Ukraine, and has also been critical of the government’s suppression of dissent. He vehemently denied all charges against him and stated that he stands by every word he has spoken.
In a statement posted online, Kara-Murza said, “I know that the day will come when the darkness engulfing our country will clear. Our society will open its eyes and shudder when it realizes what crimes were committed in its name.”
Prosecutors sought the maximum sentence of 25 years, making this the longest sentence given to an opposition figure since the start of the war in Ukraine. Many have criticized the verdict as unjust and politically motivated.
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