Espreso. Global

Kremlin critic found guilty of spreading "false information" about Russian army

9 December, 2022 Friday
23:50

On December 9, a Moscow court found Ilya Yashin, Russian opposition figure, guilty of spreading "fakes" about the Russian army and sentenced him to 8 years of jai

client/title.list_title

One of Russia's most prominent Kremlin critics, Ilya Yashin, has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for spreading "fake news" about the Russian military.

Yashin was convicted under recently adopted Russian legislation, which provides for criminal liability for discrediting Russian armed forces.

Prosecutor's office said that former municipal deputy Ilya Yashin's comments about the Russian army killing civilians in Bucha were illegal.

He denied the charge, but the judge said he had purposefully disseminated false information about the Russian military.

In his closing speech at the court, Yashin stated that he was being persecuted.

"Everybody understands that's the point. I'm isolated from society because they want me to keep quiet. I promise as long as I live, I never will. My mission is to tell the truth. I will always fight for the truth to be revealed even behind bars," Yashin said according to a post on his Telegram account.

Yashin, a close ally of Russian jailed opposition leader Alexey Navalny, became famous during the protests in 2011-2012, which he helped organize against Putin's re-election for the third term and unfair elections. 

Yashin remained a fierce critic of the Russian president in the following years, and also served as municipal deputy in Moscow before he was banned from running for public office.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2024, Tuesday
8 October
14:16
Estonia intends to recognize deportation of Crimean Tatars as act of genocide
13:55
“Ratio of forces almost 1:9”: Ukraine's 72nd Brigade commander on withdrawal from Vuhledar
13:38
EU rolls out new sanctions to curb Russia’s destabilizing actions abroad
13:17
Vatican elevates Ukrainian-born bishop to cardinal in support of Ukraine
12:55
South Korea's Defense Ministry warns DPRK may deploy troops to Ukraine to support Russia
12:37
Exclusive
Unclear why Ukraine leaves working industrial facilities for Russia – expert Sniehyriov
12:16
Taiwan’s President: “Impossible” for communist China to be our motherland
11:57
Russia strikes Kharkiv city center with KAB bomb: 11 wounded, including a teen
11:47
OPINION
Russia has covert strategy
11:27
172 combat clashes on Russian-Ukrainian frontline: Russia fires 4,420 times at Ukrainian positions and civilian areas
10:59
Russia strikes Palau-flagged civilian ship in Odesa: one dead, five injured
10:43
Exclusive
Ukraine strikes largest Russian oil terminal in Feodosia, says military expert
10:22
Russia loses air defense system, 7 tanks and 1,340 soldiers in one day of war in Ukraine
09:58
Harris says she will not agree to talks with Putin on Ukraine without Kyiv's participation
09:38
Exclusive
Russian subversive reconnaissance groups raid frontline towns disguised as Ukrainian army
2024, Monday
7 October
21:00
Russia’s S-400 lack or failure: Defense Express analyzes Ukraine’s attack on oil depot in Crimea
20:41
OPINION
Russian bear has been totally sold to Chinese panda
20:20
Review
Mounting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine: enemy capabilities and Ukrainian countermeasures
20:00
Russian military targets Sloviansk in Donetsk region, wounding 5 people, including 2-year-old toddler
19:42
Overview of Russia's budget state
19:22
Exclusive
Ukrainian military: Pokrovsk direction is top priority for Putin, Kurakhove is up next
19:05
Russia won because of its gigantic territory
18:49
Ukraine's military intelligence disables Russian Baltic Fleet ship Alexander Obukhov
18:35
Ukrainian cyber specialists attack Russian judicial system - media
18:20
Russia sentences 72-year-old American for fighting for Ukraine
18:05
What sets Dutch F-16s apart as they join Ukraine’s Air Force?
17:48
Russia attacks Ukrainian seaport, damaging civilian ship
17:30
Ukraine won't extend gas transit from Russia, says PM Shmyhal
17:14
Ukraine integrates NATO gender equality standards into Armed Forces
16:55
Ukraine’s 3rd Brigade retakes positions in Kharkiv region, frees captive Ukrainian soldiers
16:36
Russian losses in Ukraine war reach record levels in September — UK intelligence
16:16
Fico says Slovakia is “cool” towards Ukraine's NATO membership
15:54
Ukrainian hackers attack Kremlin's state TV broadcasters
15:30
Updated
Russia attacks Ukraine with guided bombs, explosions leave 20 injured, including 2 children
15:16
Russia charges 14 foreign journalists for illegal border crossings
14:55
Exclusive
Can F-16s counter Russian guided bomb launches: aviation expert explains
14:35
Infographics
Bomb to long-range weapon: what are AGM-154 JSOWs and why they are important for Ukraine
13:57
Ukraine stuck in limbo as results of Zelenskyy’s U.S. visit remain unclear
13:35
Russia seeks to foster acceptance of Putin among Italians
13:16
Exclusive
Ukraine's population totals 35.8 million as of July 2024 — government
More news