Russia’s top court has reportedly banned the country’s only registered anti-war political party ahead of key elections, dealing a significant blow to the organised anti-war opposition.

The court decision comes as Russia prepares for an important electoral period and amid continued scrutiny of political competition and opposition activity. The move could further reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming vote.

 Russia's Top Court Bans Only Registered Anti-War Party Ahead of Key Elections

A Russian court on Tuesday (Nov. 12) sentenced an elderly pediatrician to five and a half years in prison for criticising the war in Ukraine during a patient visit.&nbsp;

This comes after the mother of one of her patients publicly denounced her for comments she allegedly made about Russian soldiers in Ukraine during a private consultation in January.&nbsp;

68-year-old Nadezhda Buyanova was accused by the ex-wife of a soldier killed in Ukraine of referring to her child's father as a "legitimate target of Ukraine" and saying Russia was "guilty" in the ongoing war.&nbsp;

Buyanova was jailed on charges of "disseminating false information” about Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion in 2022, Russia has adopted a law against spreading "fake" information widely to silence differing opinions, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-prosecutor-asks-3-years-3-months-jail-for-french-researcher-for-breaching-foreign-agent-law-767380">Also read:&nbsp;Russian court sentences French researcher to 3 years' jail for breaching 'foreign agent' law</a>

Buyanova was born in Lviv, Ukraine, but has been a resident of Russia for a long time.&nbsp;

In her statement, she insisted on her innocence, saying that she had not discussed the war with the boy or his mother.

Her defence argued that she had been targeted because of her Ukrainian heritage, noting that prosecutors had no solid evidence to prove she had spoken against the war.

Moreover, there is no audio recording from the consultation room, and prosecutors relied only on the testimony of the seven-year-old boy and his mother, Anastasia Akinshina.

Watch |&nbsp;Russian Court Imposes $2.5 Decillion Fine on Google, Surpassing Global GDP

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Akinshina made a video that was quickly picked by pro-Kremlin media, in which she said, "I won’t let them sweep it up under the carpet!”&nbsp;

The case went viral after which Alexander Bastrykin, the hardline head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, vowed to take it under his personal control.&nbsp;

However, the case has attracted widespread condemnation from human rights groups, with Memorial, a prominent Russian human rights organisation, listing Buyanova as a political prisoner.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian court on Tuesday (Nov. 12) sentenced an elderly pediatrician to five and a half years in prison for criticising the war in Ukraine during a patient visit.

A Russian court on Tuesday (Nov. 12) sentenced an elderly pediatrician to five and a half years in prison for criticising the war in Ukraine during a patient visit. This comes after the mother of one of her patients publicly denounced her for comments she allegedly made about Russian soldiers in Ukraine during a private consultation in January. 68-year-old Nadezhda Buyanova was accused by the ex-wife of a soldier killed in Ukraine of referring to her child's father as a "legitimate target of Ukraine" and saying Russia was "guilty" in the ongoing war. Buyanova was jailed on charges of "disseminating false information” about Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion in 2022, Russia has adopted a law against spreading "fake" information widely to silence differing opinions, reported the Guardian. Also read: Russian court sentences French researcher to 3 years' jail for breaching 'foreign agent' law Buyanova was born in Lviv, Ukraine, but has been a resident of Russia for a long time. In her statement, she insisted on her innocence, saying that she had not discussed the war with the boy or his mother. Her defence argued that she had been targeted because of her Ukrainian heritage, noting that prosecutors had no solid evidence to prove she had spoken against the war. Moreover, there is no audio recording from the consultation room, and prosecutors relied only on the testimony of the seven-year-old boy and his mother, Anastasia Akinshina. Watch | Russian Court Imposes $2.5 Decillion Fine on Google, Surpassing Global GDP × Akinshina made a video that was quickly picked by pro-Kremlin media, in which she said, "I won’t let them sweep it up under the carpet!” The case went viral after which Alexander Bastrykin, the hardline head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, vowed to take it under his personal control. However, the case has attracted widespread condemnation from human rights groups, with Memorial, a prominent Russian human rights organisation, listing Buyanova as a political prisoner. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian doctor gets five years' jail for criticising war in Ukraine during private consultation with patient

A Russian court has fined Google 2 decillion Russian rubles ($2.5 decillion) for refusing to reinstate more than a dozen pro-Kremlin accounts on Google’s subsidiary YouTube. Watch this report for more details!

Russian Court Imposes $2.5 Decillion Fine on Google, Surpassing Global GDP

Days after handing prison term to Wall Street Journal reporter,&nbsp;Evan Gershkovich, a Russian court has sentenced US-Russian journalist&nbsp;Alsu Kurmasheva to six and a half years in jail for spreading "false information" about the military on Monday (Jul 22).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Alsu Kurmasheva was sentenced. Six years, six months," Natalya Loseva, a spokesperson for the Supreme Court of Tatarstan, was quoted as saying news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Kurmasheva, a Prague-based editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), was arrested after failing to register as a 'foreign agent'&nbsp;&nbsp;during a visit to Russia in October last year.

Days after being arrested in Kazan,&nbsp;Kurmasheva was charged with a violation of the law which requires registration of those who carry out “purposeful collection of information in the field of military, military-technical activities of Russia” as “foreign agents”, which if received by foreign sources, “can be used against the security of the country".

She was also fined $103 (10,000 roubles) on October 11 after she failed to register her US passport with Russian authorities.&nbsp;

Notably,&nbsp;RFE/RL is funded by the United States Congress and is designated by Moscow as a “foreign agent”. Moscow’s foreign agent law allows Russian authorities to label organisations and people that receive foreign funding as “foreign agents”.

Stephen Capus, RFE/RL president and CEO said&nbsp;Kurmasheva's sentencing was a "mockery of justice", adding that the "only&nbsp;just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/evan-gershkovich-convicted-who-said-what-742549">Watch |&nbsp;Evan Gershkovich convicted: Who said what?</a>

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<h2>Gershkovich sentenced</h2>

Kurmasheva's jail sentence comes days after&nbsp;Gershkovich became the first&nbsp;journalist in Russia to be charged and convicted of spying since the Soviet era. He was handed a 16-year&nbsp;prison sentence on espionage charges after just over three weeks of closed-door court proceedings.&nbsp;

Both&nbsp;Gershkovich and his employer, WSJ have denied the charges, calling them politically&nbsp; motivated. During the trial, the 32-year-old journalist pleaded not guilty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-journalist-evan-gershkovich-sentenced-to-16-years-in-jail-by-russian-court-742403">Also read |&nbsp;US journalist Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 years in jail by Russian court</a>

President Joe Biden said his government was pressing for the release of&nbsp;Gershkovich despite the judgement by the Russian court.&nbsp;

"We are pushing hard for Evan's release and will continue to do so," Biden said in a statement, adding that the Wall Street Journal employee had "committed no crime" and was "targeted" by Moscow for being a reporter and an American&nbsp;citizen.

The only way Gershkovich can secure a release is if Kremlin agrees to a potential exchange of prisoners with Washington.&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously&nbsp;implied he wants to see the release of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted in Germany of killing a Chechen separatist commander.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Days after handing prison term to Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, a Russian court has sentenced US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva to six and a half years in jail for spreading "false information" about the military on Monday (Jul 22).

Days after handing prison term to Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, a Russian court has sentenced US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva to six and a half years in jail for spreading "false information" about the military on Monday (Jul 22). "Alsu Kurmasheva was sentenced. Six years, six months," Natalya Loseva, a spokesperson for the Supreme Court of Tatarstan, was quoted as saying news agency AFP. Kurmasheva, a Prague-based editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), was arrested after failing to register as a 'foreign agent' during a visit to Russia in October last year. Days after being arrested in Kazan, Kurmasheva was charged with a violation of the law which requires registration of those who carry out “purposeful collection of information in the field of military, military-technical activities of Russia” as “foreign agents”, which if received by foreign sources, “can be used against the security of the country". She was also fined $103 (10,000 roubles) on October 11 after she failed to register her US passport with Russian authorities. Notably, RFE/RL is funded by the United States Congress and is designated by Moscow as a “foreign agent”. Moscow’s foreign agent law allows Russian authorities to label organisations and people that receive foreign funding as “foreign agents”. Stephen Capus, RFE/RL president and CEO said Kurmasheva's sentencing was a "mockery of justice", adding that the "only just outcome is for Alsu to be immediately released from prison by her Russian captors". Watch | Evan Gershkovich convicted: Who said what? × Gershkovich sentenced Kurmasheva's jail sentence comes days after Gershkovich became the first journalist in Russia to be charged and convicted of spying since the Soviet era. He was handed a 16-year prison sentence on espionage charges after just over three weeks of closed-door court proceedings. Both Gershkovich and his employer, WSJ have denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. During the trial, the 32-year-old journalist pleaded not guilty. Also read | US journalist Evan Gershkovich sentenced to 16 years in jail by Russian court President Joe Biden said his government was pressing for the release of Gershkovich despite the judgement by the Russian court. "We are pushing hard for Evan's release and will continue to do so," Biden said in a statement, adding that the Wall Street Journal employee had "committed no crime" and was "targeted" by Moscow for being a reporter and an American citizen. The only way Gershkovich can secure a release is if Kremlin agrees to a potential exchange of prisoners with Washington. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously implied he wants to see the release of Vadim Krasikov, a Russian convicted in Germany of killing a Chechen separatist commander. (With inputs from agencies)

After Gershkovich, US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva sentenced to 6.5 years in prison

A Russian court sentenced a US soldier to almost four years in prison on Wednesday (Jun 19) on charges of theft and threatening to kill his Russian girlfriend, reported state media. Staff Sgt. Gordon Black was arrested in May from the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok when he was visiting the woman. As per charges, Black stole 10,000 rubles (roughly $112) from her when he visited Vladivostok in April this year, reported state news agency TASS. The US soldier also faced charges of assaulting his girlfriend.

Black has vehemently denied the assault charges but has partially accepted theft charges. He said he had taken money from the woman's purse but had transferred her $125. He reportedly spent the money on his accommodation while he stayed in the Russian city. He further claimed that the woman was supposed to get 10,000 rubles from the landlord after the end of the lease of the apartment for which he was paying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj2gpaWveeGAxUasFYBHftXAewQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-invites-north-koreas-kim-to-visit-moscow-thanks-him-for-permanent-support-of-russia-733052" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-invites-north-koreas-kim-to-visit-moscow-thanks-him-for-permanent-support-of-russia-733052&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2gpaWveeGAxUasFYBHftXAewQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Putin invites North Korea`s Kim to visit Moscow, thanks him for ‘unwavering support’ of Russia</a>

His girlfriend also appeared in court on Monday and refused to reconcile saying the full damage was not compensated yet.

According to Black's lawyer, he will appeal the court's decision to a higher court.

<h2>Americans in Russian prisons</h2>

Several US citizens are held in Russian prisons, but the US State Department has singled out two prisoners for being wrongfully detained: Former Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiWnqefveeGAxXYs1YBHW47DDk4ChDF9AEoAHoECAkQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-brands-come-back-to-russia-via-parallel-imports-732190" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-brands-come-back-to-russia-via-parallel-imports-732190&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWnqefveeGAxXYs1YBHW47DDk4ChDF9AEoAHoECAkQAQ">Global brands come back to Russia via parallel imports</a>

The 32-year-old journalist was detained in March last year by Russia's security agency the FSB on charges of trying to obtain state secrets. His trial will begin on June 26 in the city of Yekaterinburg, and he faces 20 years in prison if he's convicted.

Both the US government and the Wall Street Journal have denied charges against him. The US earlier said Russia was using him as a geopolitical hostage.

Notably, the US has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian court sentenced a US soldier to almost four years in prison on Wednesday (Jun 19) on charges of theft and threatening to kill his Russian girlfriend, reported state media.

A Russian court sentenced a US soldier to almost four years in prison on Wednesday (Jun 19) on charges of theft and threatening to kill his Russian girlfriend, reported state media. Staff Sgt. Gordon Black was arrested in May from the eastern Russian city of Vladivostok when he was visiting the woman. As per charges, Black stole 10,000 rubles (roughly $112) from her when he visited Vladivostok in April this year, reported state news agency TASS. The US soldier also faced charges of assaulting his girlfriend. Black has vehemently denied the assault charges but has partially accepted theft charges. He said he had taken money from the woman's purse but had transferred her $125. He reportedly spent the money on his accommodation while he stayed in the Russian city. He further claimed that the woman was supposed to get 10,000 rubles from the landlord after the end of the lease of the apartment for which he was paying. Also read: Putin invites North Korea`s Kim to visit Moscow, thanks him for ‘unwavering support’ of Russia His girlfriend also appeared in court on Monday and refused to reconcile saying the full damage was not compensated yet. According to Black's lawyer, he will appeal the court's decision to a higher court. Americans in Russian prisons Several US citizens are held in Russian prisons, but the US State Department has singled out two prisoners for being wrongfully detained: Former Marine Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Also read: Global brands come back to Russia via parallel imports The 32-year-old journalist was detained in March last year by Russia's security agency the FSB on charges of trying to obtain state secrets. His trial will begin on June 26 in the city of Yekaterinburg, and he faces 20 years in prison if he's convicted. Both the US government and the Wall Street Journal have denied charges against him. The US earlier said Russia was using him as a geopolitical hostage. Notably, the US has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court sends US soldier to jail for 'stealing' $112 from girlfriend

Veteran human rights activist and co-chair of the rights group Memorial, Oleg Orlov, on Tuesday (Feb 27) was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for discrediting the Russian army.&nbsp;

The 70-year-old has served as one of the leaders of the rights group, Memorial, for more than two decades. The Russian rights group won a share of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, a year after being banned and dissolved.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Will France send its troops to Ukraine? Here's what Macron has to say

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<h2>What happened in the court?</h2>

A report by Reuters citing Memorial said Orlov was handcuffed after the verdict, and the court ordered him to be taken immediately into custody. In his closing remarks on Monday (Feb 26), the 70-year-old decried the “strangulation of freedom” in Russia.&nbsp;

Orlov was convicted of “repeatedly discrediting” the Russian army in an article he wrote in 2022 which opposed the Ukraine war. However, the 70-year-old had rejected the case against him and called it politically motivated.&nbsp;

The veteran human rights activist was initially just charged a fine of $1,628 by a district court in 2023 given his age and health, but a retrial was later ordered in the case. The prosecution, on Monday, sought a sentence of two years and 11 months in prison.&nbsp;

The charges against the 70-year-old rights activist stem from the article he wrote in 2022, in which he criticised the invasion of Ukraine and reportedly said Russia under President Vladimir Putin had descended into fascism.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-peace-prize-2022-winners-who-are-the-human-rights-activists-in-belarus-russia-and-ukraine-523353">Nobel Peace Prize 2022 winners: Who are the human rights activists in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine?</a>

The prosecution had alleged that Orlov had published the article motivated by hostility “against traditional Russian spiritual, moral and patriotic values” and hatred of the Russian military, reported Russian news outlet Mediazona, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Orlov calls Russia ‘fascist’ in court</h2>

The sentence comes a day after the veteran human rights activist in his closing arguments maintained that he had committed no crime and regretted nothing. He also went on to criticise the “totalitarian” and “fascist” Russian state.&nbsp;

“All these are links in the same chain: the death, or rather, the massacre of Alexei (Navalny), the judicial reprisals against other critics of the regime, including me, the strangulation of freedom in the country, the entry of Russian troops into Ukraine,” the 70-year-old told the court.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalny-was-supposed-to-be-released-before-death-his-ally-claims-694125">Alexei Navalny was supposed to be ‘released’ in prisoner swap, his ally claims</a>

He added, “Isn’t it scary to watch what our country, which you probably also love, is turning into? Isn’t it scary that in this absurdity, in this dystopia, maybe not only you and your children will have to live, but also, God forbid, your grandchildren?”

Orlov’s remarks were broadcast on Memorial’s Telegram channel. The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova called the trial “an orchestrated attempt to silence the voices of human rights defenders in Russia.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Veteran human rights activist and co-chair of the rights group Memorial, Oleg Orlov, on Tuesday (Feb 27) was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for discrediting the Russian army.

Veteran human rights activist and co-chair of the rights group Memorial, Oleg Orlov, on Tuesday (Feb 27) was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for discrediting the Russian army. The 70-year-old has served as one of the leaders of the rights group, Memorial, for more than two decades. The Russian rights group won a share of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, a year after being banned and dissolved. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Will France send its troops to Ukraine? Here's what Macron has to say What happened in the court? A report by Reuters citing Memorial said Orlov was handcuffed after the verdict, and the court ordered him to be taken immediately into custody. In his closing remarks on Monday (Feb 26), the 70-year-old decried the “strangulation of freedom” in Russia. Orlov was convicted of “repeatedly discrediting” the Russian army in an article he wrote in 2022 which opposed the Ukraine war. However, the 70-year-old had rejected the case against him and called it politically motivated. The veteran human rights activist was initially just charged a fine of $1,628 by a district court in 2023 given his age and health, but a retrial was later ordered in the case. The prosecution, on Monday, sought a sentence of two years and 11 months in prison. The charges against the 70-year-old rights activist stem from the article he wrote in 2022, in which he criticised the invasion of Ukraine and reportedly said Russia under President Vladimir Putin had descended into fascism. Also Read | Nobel Peace Prize 2022 winners: Who are the human rights activists in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine? The prosecution had alleged that Orlov had published the article motivated by hostility “against traditional Russian spiritual, moral and patriotic values” and hatred of the Russian military, reported Russian news outlet Mediazona, on Tuesday. Orlov calls Russia ‘fascist’ in court The sentence comes a day after the veteran human rights activist in his closing arguments maintained that he had committed no crime and regretted nothing. He also went on to criticise the “totalitarian” and “fascist” Russian state. “All these are links in the same chain: the death, or rather, the massacre of Alexei (Navalny), the judicial reprisals against other critics of the regime, including me, the strangulation of freedom in the country, the entry of Russian troops into Ukraine,” the 70-year-old told the court. Also Read | Alexei Navalny was supposed to be ‘released’ in prisoner swap, his ally claims He added, “Isn’t it scary to watch what our country, which you probably also love, is turning into? Isn’t it scary that in this absurdity, in this dystopia, maybe not only you and your children will have to live, but also, God forbid, your grandchildren?” Orlov’s remarks were broadcast on Memorial’s Telegram channel. The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova called the trial “an orchestrated attempt to silence the voices of human rights defenders in Russia.” (With inputs from agencies)

Nobel-winning rights group co-chair, Oleg Orlov, sentenced to 30 months in prison

Russian court&nbsp;has&nbsp;handed down the first conviction&nbsp;since Moscow&nbsp;banned the “international LGBT movement” late last year. As of Thursday (Feb 1), there were three reported cases concerning the&nbsp;particular ban across multiple Russian cities.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Out of stupidity’</h2>

On Thursday (Feb 1), a court in the southern region of Volgograd found a man guilty of “displaying the symbols of an extremist organisation” after he posted an image of the LGBT flag online, reported Reuters citing the court’s press service.

Artyom P&nbsp;was ordered to pay a fine of $11 (1,000 rubles) after he admitted guilt and repented, saying he had posted the image “out of stupidity,” as per the news agency.&nbsp;

<h2>Woman detained</h2>

Last week, a court in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod sentenced a woman to five days in administrative detention based on the recently passed law.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-imposes-ban-on-international-lgbt-movement-claims-it-to-be-extremist-group-664803">Russia imposes ban on 'international LGBT movement', terming it 'extremist group'</a>

A report by The Moscow Times, on Thursday (Feb 1) citing human rights group Egida said that a woman was jailed for wearing rainbow earrings. The woman was identified as Anastasia Yershova in court documents.

According to the report, the police tasked with combating “extremism” detained the woman after a group of “aggressive people” approached Yershova and her friend at a local cafe and filmed them.&nbsp;

The woman was called to the police station after the man who had filmed the incident posted it online.&nbsp;

The video was also shared by ultra-conservative bloggers, according to The Moscow Times and showed the unidentified man threatening to hand them over to the police for wearing a Ukrainian flag pin and rainbow earrings.

As per court documents, Yershova was questioned by police and then brought before a judge who cited the ruling handed down by the Russian Supreme Court in Moscow on November 30.&nbsp;

At the time, the apex court judge ruled that “the international LGBT public movement and its subdivisions” were extremist, and issued a “ban on its activities on the territory of Russia”. The ban took effect immediately.&nbsp;

<h2>'Creative solutions'</h2>

Additionally, a trial against a photographer in Saratov in southwestern will also resume next week after she allegedly posted images of rainbow flags on Instagram, reported independent Russian news outlet Mediazona.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-takes-steps-to-make-foreigners-sign-a-loyalty-agreement-664324">Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement'</a>

The woman who was reportedly identified as 33-year-old photographer Inna Mosina, went to trial on Tuesday (Jan 30) and denied the charges against her.&nbsp;

According to The Moscow Times, the rainbow flag was posted on her Instagram page a month before the Supreme Court ruling went into force.

On Tuesday, during the hearing, she told the Leninsky District Court that the rainbow flags on her Instagram page are “creative solutions” and do not represent LGBTQ+ symbols, reported Mediazona.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russian court has handed down the first conviction since Moscow banned the “international LGBT movement” late last year. As of Thursday (Feb 1), there were three reported cases concerning the particular ban across multiple Russian cities.

Russian court has handed down the first conviction since Moscow banned the “international LGBT movement” late last year. As of Thursday (Feb 1), there were three reported cases concerning the particular ban across multiple Russian cities. ‘Out of stupidity’ On Thursday (Feb 1), a court in the southern region of Volgograd found a man guilty of “displaying the symbols of an extremist organisation” after he posted an image of the LGBT flag online, reported Reuters citing the court’s press service. Artyom P was ordered to pay a fine of $11 (1,000 rubles) after he admitted guilt and repented, saying he had posted the image “out of stupidity,” as per the news agency. Woman detained Last week, a court in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod sentenced a woman to five days in administrative detention based on the recently passed law. ALSO READ | Russia imposes ban on 'international LGBT movement', terming it 'extremist group' A report by The Moscow Times, on Thursday (Feb 1) citing human rights group Egida said that a woman was jailed for wearing rainbow earrings. The woman was identified as Anastasia Yershova in court documents. According to the report, the police tasked with combating “extremism” detained the woman after a group of “aggressive people” approached Yershova and her friend at a local cafe and filmed them. The woman was called to the police station after the man who had filmed the incident posted it online. The video was also shared by ultra-conservative bloggers, according to The Moscow Times and showed the unidentified man threatening to hand them over to the police for wearing a Ukrainian flag pin and rainbow earrings. As per court documents, Yershova was questioned by police and then brought before a judge who cited the ruling handed down by the Russian Supreme Court in Moscow on November 30. At the time, the apex court judge ruled that “the international LGBT public movement and its subdivisions” were extremist, and issued a “ban on its activities on the territory of Russia”. The ban took effect immediately. 'Creative solutions' Additionally, a trial against a photographer in Saratov in southwestern will also resume next week after she allegedly posted images of rainbow flags on Instagram, reported independent Russian news outlet Mediazona. ALSO READ | Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement' The woman who was reportedly identified as 33-year-old photographer Inna Mosina, went to trial on Tuesday (Jan 30) and denied the charges against her. According to The Moscow Times, the rainbow flag was posted on her Instagram page a month before the Supreme Court ruling went into force. On Tuesday, during the hearing, she told the Leninsky District Court that the rainbow flags on her Instagram page are “creative solutions” and do not represent LGBTQ+ symbols, reported Mediazona. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia makes arrests, convicts several people for ‘LGBT extremism’ since ban

A Russian court, on Tuesday (Nov 28) extended the detention of American journalist and Wall Street reporter Evan Gershkovich,&nbsp;who is awaiting trail on espionage charges, until January 30, 2024, reported the Russian media.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old American citizen was detained in March by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on charges of espionage for which he could face up to 20 years in prison.&nbsp;

The charges against the American journalist have been denied by him, his employer and even the White House.&nbsp;

<h2>About the recent hearing</h2>

“The court ruled to extend the term of detention of Gershkovich, accused of a crime under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, for up to 10 months, that is, until January 30, 2024,” said Moscow’s Lefortovo district court, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-detains-another-american-journalist-heres-what-we-know-649362">Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know</a>

The hearing took place behind closed doors since Russian authorities say details of the criminal case against the American journalist are classified. Gershkovich is the first US journalist to be detained on spying charges in Russia since the Cold War.

Moscow has said that Gershkovich was caught “red-handed” and accused him of trying to obtain military secrets. The reporter was “acting on the instructions of the American side, collected information constituting a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex,” the FSB has alleged.&nbsp;

<h2>Detained for nearly 250 days</h2>

The WSJ and Dow Jones said that Gershkovich was simply doing his job in Russia and have repeatedly denied the espionage charges.&nbsp;

“Evan has now been unjustly imprisoned for nearly 250 days, and every day is a day too long,” said the Journal, in statement.&nbsp;

It added, “The accusations against him are categorically false and his continued imprisonment is a brazen and outrageous attack on a free press, which is critical for a free society. We continue to stand with Evan and call for his immediate release.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-denies-us-russian-journalists-appeal-against-detention-653683">Russia denies US-Russian journalist's appeal against detention</a>

<h2>Is Russia looking for another prisoner swap?</h2>

“We are deeply concerned by the court’s decision,” said the US embassy in Moscow after the recent hearing. We reiterate our call for his immediate release.”

A report by Reuters citing diplomats said Gershkovich was probably detained as part of broader Russian effort to build up a store of arrest of US citizens to be swapped for Russian citizens, including convicted spies.

However, Russia rarely releases people imprisoned while awaiting trial on serious charges. Moscow has also previously rejected the possibility of an exchange involving Gershkovich until a verdict is reached in his case.&nbsp;

So far, no date has been announced for his trial while the American journalist has appealed his detention several times. All the appeals have been rejected by the Russian court.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian court, on Tuesday (Nov 28) extended the detention of American journalist and Wall Street reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is awaiting trail on espionage charges, until January 30, 2024, reported the Russian media.

A Russian court, on Tuesday (Nov 28) extended the detention of American journalist and Wall Street reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is awaiting trail on espionage charges, until January 30, 2024, reported the Russian media. The 32-year-old American citizen was detained in March by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on charges of espionage for which he could face up to 20 years in prison. The charges against the American journalist have been denied by him, his employer and even the White House. About the recent hearing “The court ruled to extend the term of detention of Gershkovich, accused of a crime under Article 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, for up to 10 months, that is, until January 30, 2024,” said Moscow’s Lefortovo district court, as per Reuters. ALSO READ | Explained: Russia detains another American journalist. Here’s what we know The hearing took place behind closed doors since Russian authorities say details of the criminal case against the American journalist are classified. Gershkovich is the first US journalist to be detained on spying charges in Russia since the Cold War. Moscow has said that Gershkovich was caught “red-handed” and accused him of trying to obtain military secrets. The reporter was “acting on the instructions of the American side, collected information constituting a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex,” the FSB has alleged. Detained for nearly 250 days The WSJ and Dow Jones said that Gershkovich was simply doing his job in Russia and have repeatedly denied the espionage charges. “Evan has now been unjustly imprisoned for nearly 250 days, and every day is a day too long,” said the Journal, in statement. It added, “The accusations against him are categorically false and his continued imprisonment is a brazen and outrageous attack on a free press, which is critical for a free society. We continue to stand with Evan and call for his immediate release.” ALSO READ | Russia denies US-Russian journalist's appeal against detention Is Russia looking for another prisoner swap? “We are deeply concerned by the court’s decision,” said the US embassy in Moscow after the recent hearing. We reiterate our call for his immediate release.” A report by Reuters citing diplomats said Gershkovich was probably detained as part of broader Russian effort to build up a store of arrest of US citizens to be swapped for Russian citizens, including convicted spies. However, Russia rarely releases people imprisoned while awaiting trial on serious charges. Moscow has also previously rejected the possibility of an exchange involving Gershkovich until a verdict is reached in his case. So far, no date has been announced for his trial while the American journalist has appealed his detention several times. All the appeals have been rejected by the Russian court. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian court extends detention of US reporter Evan Gershkovich until end of January

Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople.

<h2>About the verdict</h2>

A footage of the trial shows Navalny appearing before the judge wearing his prison uniform, smiling and speaking with another defendant, on Friday in the court.&nbsp;

The court in the IK-6 penal colony in Russia’s Melekhovo, which is about 235 kilometres east of the capital Moscow, held the trial on six separate criminal charges, which included inciting and financing extremist activity and creating an extremist organisation.

“Alexey Navalny was sentenced to 19 years at a maximum security penal colony,” said spokesperson Kira Yarmysh, as quoted by AFP. The Kremlin critic is already serving sentences totalling 11 and a half years on charges like fraud which he has since called bogus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-expects-to-be-jailed-for-many-more-years-who-is-he-622286">Explained: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years. Who is he?</a>

The sentence is said to be&nbsp;the longest of the three he has been handed. According to reports, the battery of new charges is related to alleged extremist activity by the Russian politician. Notably, his political movement has previously been outlawed and declared “extremist”.&nbsp;

Navalny’s team said that the judge had added 19 years to his sentence as a result of the new charges, while the state prosecutors had sought another 20 years in a penal colony. However, the Russian politician had predicted this a day prior to his trial and said he expected a lengthy, “Stalinist” prison term.

Navalny, 47, was already in the midst of serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court in a penal colony east of Moscow. Notably, the verdict marks the Russian politician's 5th&nbsp;criminal conviction.&nbsp;

<h2>Navalny urges Russians to keep resisting the Kremlin</h2>

In a first statement since the verdict, the Kremlin critic took to Facebook and wrote, “They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist.” He added, “You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power...Don’t lose the will to resist.”

<h2>‘Unacceptable’: Verdict sparks international criticism&nbsp;</h2>

The verdict has since sparked criticism from the United Nations, Germany and the European Union as well as rights groups who have condemned the decision and called it unacceptable. 
 
UN

In a statement, UN human rights agency chief, Volker Turk criticised the decision and called for Navalny’s immediate release. “The new sentence imposed today on opposition figure Alexei Navalny raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalisation of the court system for political purposes in Russia.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</a>

He also urged the Russian authorities to “immediately (cease) violations of Navalny’s human rights and release him”.&nbsp; 
 
Germany

“Russia’s arbitrary justice system imprisoning Alexei Navalny for another 19 years is pure injustice,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on social media. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “fears nothing more than standing up against war and corruption and for democracy – even from a prison cell. He will not silence critical voices with this.”&nbsp; 
 
EU

Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said, “The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Alexei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlin's regime.”&nbsp; 
 
France

The French government called for Navalny's release and said that the country&nbsp;condemned the verdict "in the strongest terms" and called the trial&nbsp;"judicial persecution". 
 
United States

The US slammed Russia over the trial and verdict of the Kremlin critic&nbsp;calling it "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial." A statement by the US State Department also said how the Kremlin, for years, has "attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people." 
 
It added, "Russian authorities illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime."

Amnesty International

Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, called the sentence “a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople.

Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople. About the verdict A footage of the trial shows Navalny appearing before the judge wearing his prison uniform, smiling and speaking with another defendant, on Friday in the court. The court in the IK-6 penal colony in Russia’s Melekhovo, which is about 235 kilometres east of the capital Moscow, held the trial on six separate criminal charges, which included inciting and financing extremist activity and creating an extremist organisation. “Alexey Navalny was sentenced to 19 years at a maximum security penal colony,” said spokesperson Kira Yarmysh, as quoted by AFP. The Kremlin critic is already serving sentences totalling 11 and a half years on charges like fraud which he has since called bogus. ALSO READ | Explained: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years. Who is he? The sentence is said to be the longest of the three he has been handed. According to reports, the battery of new charges is related to alleged extremist activity by the Russian politician. Notably, his political movement has previously been outlawed and declared “extremist”. Navalny’s team said that the judge had added 19 years to his sentence as a result of the new charges, while the state prosecutors had sought another 20 years in a penal colony. However, the Russian politician had predicted this a day prior to his trial and said he expected a lengthy, “Stalinist” prison term. Navalny, 47, was already in the midst of serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court in a penal colony east of Moscow. Notably, the verdict marks the Russian politician's 5th criminal conviction. Navalny urges Russians to keep resisting the Kremlin In a first statement since the verdict, the Kremlin critic took to Facebook and wrote, “They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist.” He added, “You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power...Don’t lose the will to resist.” ‘Unacceptable’: Verdict sparks international criticism The verdict has since sparked criticism from the United Nations, Germany and the European Union as well as rights groups who have condemned the decision and called it unacceptable. UN In a statement, UN human rights agency chief, Volker Turk criticised the decision and called for Navalny’s immediate release. “The new sentence imposed today on opposition figure Alexei Navalny raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalisation of the court system for political purposes in Russia.” ALSO READ | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes He also urged the Russian authorities to “immediately (cease) violations of Navalny’s human rights and release him”. Germany “Russia’s arbitrary justice system imprisoning Alexei Navalny for another 19 years is pure injustice,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on social media. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “fears nothing more than standing up against war and corruption and for democracy – even from a prison cell. He will not silence critical voices with this.” EU Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said, “The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Alexei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlin's regime.” France The French government called for Navalny's release and said that the country condemned the verdict "in the strongest terms" and called the trial "judicial persecution". United States The US slammed Russia over the trial and verdict of the Kremlin critic calling it "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial." A statement by the US State Department also said how the Kremlin, for years, has "attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people." It added, "Russian authorities illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime." Amnesty International Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, called the sentence “a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years on series of new charges

A Russian court sentenced two alleged Ukrainian intelligence agents to 15 years in prison for espionage, local media reported quoting FSB security service.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) did not, however, provide any details of the accused people or say which court had passed the verdict.

Russia has frequently announced the arrests of alleged spies since launching its war in Ukraine 17 months ago.

The FSB claimed that the Ukrainian agents were detained last year on suspicion of espionage and involvement in the deaths of Russian troops and destruction of equipment in the area of what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.

<h2>Ukraine intensifying counteroffensive</h2>

Meanwhile, on the war front, Ukraine continued with its counteroffensive against the Russian troops as it seeks to recapture more territories it lost to Kremlin in the battlefield.

Earlier on Wednesday (July 27), Russian army claimed that it repelled a Ukrainian attack involving several hundred soldiers near the town of Orikhiv in the south. The region mentioned by Russia is one of the areas where a counteroffensive is being carried out by Kyiv.

In the past few weeks, Ukraine claimed to have had success in its counteroffensive despite consistent Russian attacks.

The highly anticipated counteroffensive began after Ukraine stockpiled Western weapons and built up its offensive forces.

<h2>Ukraine ups operations in southeast</h2>

According to CNN, which cited two US officials, Ukraine has been focusing on the southeast and has deployed more forces in that region.

The news of this development comes after nearly two months of slow progress and the report mentioned that this indicates that Ukraine has identified potential weaknesses in Russian defensive lines.

The Ukrainians’ main efforts are in southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts.

But its counteroffensive has a presence in the eastern areas, too. Ukrainian units including the 3rd and 5th Assault Brigades and the 22nd and 28th Mechanized Brigades counterattacked across the fields and treelines just south of Bakhmut, according to Forbes.

On Thursday (July 27), Ukraine's military claimed to have had success on one of the front lines in southeast Ukraine.

In the Staromaiorske area, east of Zaporizhzhia city, the armed forces said they were "solidifying positions", reports BBC.

Ukraine has not officially confirmed that it has beefed up its counteroffensive.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine's attacks had "significantly" intensified.

But he told reporters in St Petersburg Ukraine had had no success.&nbsp;"All counteroffensive attempts were stopped, and the enemy was pushed back with high casualties."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Russian court sentenced two alleged Ukrainian intelligence agents to 15 years in prison for espionage, local media reported quoting FSB security service. The Federal Security Service (FSB) did not, however, provide any details of the accused people or say which court had passed the verdict.

A Russian court sentenced two alleged Ukrainian intelligence agents to 15 years in prison for espionage, local media reported quoting FSB security service. The Federal Security Service (FSB) did not, however, provide any details of the accused people or say which court had passed the verdict. Russia has frequently announced the arrests of alleged spies since launching its war in Ukraine 17 months ago. The FSB claimed that the Ukrainian agents were detained last year on suspicion of espionage and involvement in the deaths of Russian troops and destruction of equipment in the area of what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Ukraine intensifying counteroffensive Meanwhile, on the war front, Ukraine continued with its counteroffensive against the Russian troops as it seeks to recapture more territories it lost to Kremlin in the battlefield. Earlier on Wednesday (July 27), Russian army claimed that it repelled a Ukrainian attack involving several hundred soldiers near the town of Orikhiv in the south. The region mentioned by Russia is one of the areas where a counteroffensive is being carried out by Kyiv. In the past few weeks, Ukraine claimed to have had success in its counteroffensive despite consistent Russian attacks. The highly anticipated counteroffensive began after Ukraine stockpiled Western weapons and built up its offensive forces. Ukraine ups operations in southeast According to CNN, which cited two US officials, Ukraine has been focusing on the southeast and has deployed more forces in that region. The news of this development comes after nearly two months of slow progress and the report mentioned that this indicates that Ukraine has identified potential weaknesses in Russian defensive lines. The Ukrainians’ main efforts are in southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts. But its counteroffensive has a presence in the eastern areas, too. Ukrainian units including the 3rd and 5th Assault Brigades and the 22nd and 28th Mechanized Brigades counterattacked across the fields and treelines just south of Bakhmut, according to Forbes. On Thursday (July 27), Ukraine's military claimed to have had success on one of the front lines in southeast Ukraine. In the Staromaiorske area, east of Zaporizhzhia city, the armed forces said they were "solidifying positions", reports BBC. Ukraine has not officially confirmed that it has beefed up its counteroffensive. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine's attacks had "significantly" intensified. But he told reporters in St Petersburg Ukraine had had no success. "All counteroffensive attempts were stopped, and the enemy was pushed back with high casualties." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian court sentences two Ukrainian spies to 15 years in prison

Russian critic Alexei Navalny has appeared before a Russian Court to defend himself. The staunch Kremlin critic is facing new charges of extremism and the new charges can extend his prison term by decades. Navalny is already serving sentences of more than 11 years in jail.

Alexei Navalny faces new charges of extremism

Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian opposition leader and a staunch Vladimir Putin critic, was convicted of treason by a Russian court on Monday. He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Moscow City Court found the 41-year-old guilty of treason, “false information about the Russian army,” and affiliation with an “undesirable organisation,” Interfax reported.&nbsp;His trial was held behind closed doors.

According&nbsp;to the Mediazona news site, the hearing was attended by several Kara-Murza supporters and foreign diplomats including a US&nbsp;embassy official named David Bernstein.

“Russia will be free, tell everyone,” Kara-Murza was quoted as saying after the verdict, according to the independent news site Avtozak.info.

Kara-Murza's wife later said that a&nbsp;&nbsp;25-year sentence shows Kremlin is "afraid of him".&nbsp;

His attorney also slammed the decision, saying he was a political prisoner whose prosecution had no relation to justice.

"The criminal case against him was nothing to do with justice from the beginning," attorney Vadim Prokhorov said in Washington.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny also denounced the sentence as "shameless and simply fascist".&nbsp;

"I was deeply outraged by the sentence delivered against Vladimir Kara-Murza today," Navalny said in audio remarks released by his team. "I consider it to be unlawful, shameless and simply fascist."

Russia has been clamping down even a fraction of war dissent ever since the invasion of Ukraine began.

The politician was detained in April 2022, on charges of “spreading false information about the Russian army” in an address to US state legislators on March 15.&nbsp; During that speech to the Arizona House of Representatives, he denounced&nbsp;military action in Ukraine.

The authorities added treason charges while he was in custody. Russia adopted a law criminalising spreading “false information” about its military shortly after it sent troops into Ukraine on February&nbsp;24, 2022. Authorities have used the law to stifle criticism of what the Kremlin calls “a special military operation.”

Kara-Murza holds dual British-Russian citizenship. Though born in Russia, the 41-year-old&nbsp;received British citizenship after moving to the UK with his mother when he was 15.

Moscow Times newspaper reported that Kara-Murza suffers from a nerve condition called polyneuropathy, which his lawyers say was due to poisoning attempts in 2015 and 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They said that his condition has worsened in prison, and he was too unwell to attend some of his hearings.&nbsp;Kara-Murza claims that he was poisoned twice because of his political activities, but he continued to spend long periods of time in Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian opposition leader and a staunch Vladimir Putin critic, was convicted of treason by a Russian court on Monday. He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian opposition leader and a staunch Vladimir Putin critic, was convicted of treason by a Russian court on Monday. He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Moscow City Court found the 41-year-old guilty of treason, “false information about the Russian army,” and affiliation with an “undesirable organisation,” Interfax reported. His trial was held behind closed doors. According to the Mediazona news site, the hearing was attended by several Kara-Murza supporters and foreign diplomats including a US embassy official named David Bernstein. “Russia will be free, tell everyone,” Kara-Murza was quoted as saying after the verdict, according to the independent news site Avtozak.info. Kara-Murza's wife later said that a 25-year sentence shows Kremlin is "afraid of him". His attorney also slammed the decision, saying he was a political prisoner whose prosecution had no relation to justice. "The criminal case against him was nothing to do with justice from the beginning," attorney Vadim Prokhorov said in Washington. Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny also denounced the sentence as "shameless and simply fascist". "I was deeply outraged by the sentence delivered against Vladimir Kara-Murza today," Navalny said in audio remarks released by his team. "I consider it to be unlawful, shameless and simply fascist." Russia has been clamping down even a fraction of war dissent ever since the invasion of Ukraine began. The politician was detained in April 2022, on charges of “spreading false information about the Russian army” in an address to US state legislators on March 15. During that speech to the Arizona House of Representatives, he denounced military action in Ukraine. The authorities added treason charges while he was in custody. Russia adopted a law criminalising spreading “false information” about its military shortly after it sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Authorities have used the law to stifle criticism of what the Kremlin calls “a special military operation.” Kara-Murza holds dual British-Russian citizenship. Though born in Russia, the 41-year-old received British citizenship after moving to the UK with his mother when he was 15. Moscow Times newspaper reported that Kara-Murza suffers from a nerve condition called polyneuropathy, which his lawyers say was due to poisoning attempts in 2015 and 2017. They said that his condition has worsened in prison, and he was too unwell to attend some of his hearings. Kara-Murza claims that he was poisoned twice because of his political activities, but he continued to spend long periods of time in Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza sentenced to 25 years in prison, Navalny terms the ruling 'fascist'

Meta&nbsp;Platforms Inc's WhatsApp messenger and Snapchat owner Snap Inc have been sued by a Russian court for alleged failure to store local users’ data within the Russian territory.

On Thursday, Moscow's Tagansky District Court fined WhatsApp million rubles ($300,000), and Snapchat 1 million rubles ($16,600), according to TASS news agency.

This is the second time WhatsApp has been punished for failing to comply with the data localisation norms. Last August, the Meta-owned messaging platform was fined 4 mln rubles ($54,040) for refusal to localise Russian users’ data.

Under the Russian law on personal data, Russian and foreign companies are obliged to store personal information of Russian citizens on the country’s territory only, even if they are not physically present in Russia as their operations are aimed at the country’s territory.

The latest punitive action comes at a time when Russia has restricted access to Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as Twitter, after Moscow’s invasion on Ukraine began.

Critics said the move was part of Russia’s plan to exert greater control over information flows and counter the narrative thrown by the western media.

Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has also been blocked in Russia for years after a court found it violated the local data storage rule, which was passed in 2015.

Other tech giants like Apple was also fined 2 million rubles (about $34,000) earlier this month over the data storage issue. Airbnb,&nbsp;Pinterest&nbsp;and the video streaming service Twitch were fined the same amount last month.

In March, Instagram and Facebook were banned in Russia after their parent company — Meta — was labelled “extremist” by the authorities.&nbsp;

These actions have bolstered Russia to develop and promote homegrown applications as an alternative to the US-based social media platforms.

The government has been providing income tax breaks and preferential loans for homegrown IT companies, and employees can get their military service deferred. Politicians are also encouraging users to switch to domestic providers.

According to Reuters, RuTube was downloaded about 1.4 million times on Russia’s App Store and&nbsp;Google&nbsp;Play in the 40 days after Russia invaded Ukraine, up more than 2,000 per cent on the previous period, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower.

A Facebook-like site, VKontakte, which already had a massive presence in the Russian market, saw a 14 per cent jump in active users in March, with social networks Telegram and OK also experiencing 23 per cent and 6 per cent growth respectively, according&nbsp;to monitor Brand Analytics.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Meta Platforms Inc's WhatsApp messenger and Snapchat owner Snap Inc have been sued by a Russian court for alleged failure to store local users’ data within the Russian territory.

Meta Platforms Inc's WhatsApp messenger and Snapchat owner Snap Inc have been sued by a Russian court for alleged failure to store local users’ data within the Russian territory. On Thursday, Moscow's Tagansky District Court fined WhatsApp million rubles ($300,000), and Snapchat 1 million rubles ($16,600), according to TASS news agency. This is the second time WhatsApp has been punished for failing to comply with the data localisation norms. Last August, the Meta-owned messaging platform was fined 4 mln rubles ($54,040) for refusal to localise Russian users’ data. Under the Russian law on personal data, Russian and foreign companies are obliged to store personal information of Russian citizens on the country’s territory only, even if they are not physically present in Russia as their operations are aimed at the country’s territory. The latest punitive action comes at a time when Russia has restricted access to Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as Twitter, after Moscow’s invasion on Ukraine began. Critics said the move was part of Russia’s plan to exert greater control over information flows and counter the narrative thrown by the western media. Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has also been blocked in Russia for years after a court found it violated the local data storage rule, which was passed in 2015. Other tech giants like Apple was also fined 2 million rubles (about $34,000) earlier this month over the data storage issue. Airbnb, Pinterest and the video streaming service Twitch were fined the same amount last month. In March, Instagram and Facebook were banned in Russia after their parent company — Meta — was labelled “extremist” by the authorities. These actions have bolstered Russia to develop and promote homegrown applications as an alternative to the US-based social media platforms. The government has been providing income tax breaks and preferential loans for homegrown IT companies, and employees can get their military service deferred. Politicians are also encouraging users to switch to domestic providers. According to Reuters, RuTube was downloaded about 1.4 million times on Russia’s App Store and Google Play in the 40 days after Russia invaded Ukraine, up more than 2,000 per cent on the previous period, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower. A Facebook-like site, VKontakte, which already had a massive presence in the Russian market, saw a 14 per cent jump in active users in March, with social networks Telegram and OK also experiencing 23 per cent and 6 per cent growth respectively, according to monitor Brand Analytics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian court penalises WhatsApp, Snapchat over data law violations

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention in Russia for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended until May 19, according to Russian news agency TASS.

TASS reported that the Khimkinsky court of the Moscow region ruled to detain Griner for at least two more months.

"The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of U.S. citizen Griner's detention until May 19," TASS quoted the court as saying.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-england-open-pv-sindhu-saina-nehwal-win-over-their-respective-opponents-to-enter-second-round-463207">All England Open: PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal enter second round with respective wins</a>

Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, a semi-official body with access to Russian prisons, told TASS Griner was sharing a cell with two other women with no previous convictions, adding that Griner's only issue was that the prison beds were too short for her 6'7" frame.

Without identifying Griner, a centre for the Phoenix Mercury, the Russian Customs Service said earlier this month a player was detained in February after arriving at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on a flight from New York.

TASS identified the player as Griner, citing a source. The Phoenix Mercury team, without elaborating, said: "We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia."

A scan of the player's luggage revealed cartridges containing "liquid with hashish oil", and a criminal case has been opened carrying a possible sentence of five to ten years in prison, the customs service said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-2024-mark-england-named-chef-de-mission-for-british-olympic-team-for-third-consecutive-games-463235">Paris 2024: Mark England named Chef de Mission for British Olympic team for third consecutive Games</a>

It was not clear when in February Griner, who plays in Russia during the WNBA's winter off-season, was detained.

At a joint press conference with Moldova President Maia Sandu, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration had assigned an embassy team to work on Griner's case.

Griner has won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national teams in 2016 and 2021.

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention in Russia for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended until May 19, according to Russian news agency TASS.

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention in Russia for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended until May 19, according to Russian news agency TASS. TASS reported that the Khimkinsky court of the Moscow region ruled to detain Griner for at least two more months. "The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of U.S. citizen Griner's detention until May 19," TASS quoted the court as saying. ALSO READ: All England Open: PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal enter second round with respective wins Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, a semi-official body with access to Russian prisons, told TASS Griner was sharing a cell with two other women with no previous convictions, adding that Griner's only issue was that the prison beds were too short for her 6'7" frame. Without identifying Griner, a centre for the Phoenix Mercury, the Russian Customs Service said earlier this month a player was detained in February after arriving at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on a flight from New York. TASS identified the player as Griner, citing a source. The Phoenix Mercury team, without elaborating, said: "We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia." A scan of the player's luggage revealed cartridges containing "liquid with hashish oil", and a criminal case has been opened carrying a possible sentence of five to ten years in prison, the customs service said. ALSO READ: Paris 2024: Mark England named Chef de Mission for British Olympic team for third consecutive Games It was not clear when in February Griner, who plays in Russia during the WNBA's winter off-season, was detained. At a joint press conference with Moldova President Maia Sandu, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration had assigned an embassy team to work on Griner's case. Griner has won Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national teams in 2016 and 2021.

Seven-times WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention gets extended by Russian court

A Russian court on Tuesday said it had handed US&nbsp;technology giant&nbsp;Google&nbsp;three separate fines totalling 6 million roubles ($81,810) over a failure to delete content that Moscow deems illegal.

The fines come amid a wider spat between Moscow and&nbsp;Google. Russia's communications watchdog on Monday warned that Moscow could eventually slow down the company's traffic in the country if it failed to delete prohibited content.

Russia has already placed a punitive slowdown on US&nbsp;social network Twitter for not deleting banned content, part of a push by Moscow to rein in Western tech giants and beef up what it calls its internet "sovereignty".

Google&nbsp;was found guilty of administrative offences, Moscow's Tagansky District court said in a statement, and was ordered to pay 2 million roubles for each offence.

Google&nbsp;Russia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The charges concern posts that Russia says encouraged minors to join unsanctioned protests in January, when people across Russia took to the streets to support Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after he was detained.

Later on Tuesday, the court will also consider eight reports concerning Facebook, which could lead to a total fine of up to 32 million roubles, the Interfax news agency said.

In April, a court issued three separate fines against Twitter totalling 8.9 million roubles, over accusations it had failed to delete banned content. TikTok has also been fined for similar offences this year.

A Russian court on Tuesday said it had handed US technology giant Google three separate fines totalling 6 million roubles ($81,810) over a failure to delete content that Moscow deems illegal.

A Russian court on Tuesday said it had handed US technology giant Google three separate fines totalling 6 million roubles ($81,810) over a failure to delete content that Moscow deems illegal. The fines come amid a wider spat between Moscow and Google. Russia's communications watchdog on Monday warned that Moscow could eventually slow down the company's traffic in the country if it failed to delete prohibited content. Russia has already placed a punitive slowdown on US social network Twitter for not deleting banned content, part of a push by Moscow to rein in Western tech giants and beef up what it calls its internet "sovereignty". Google was found guilty of administrative offences, Moscow's Tagansky District court said in a statement, and was ordered to pay 2 million roubles for each offence. Google Russia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The charges concern posts that Russia says encouraged minors to join unsanctioned protests in January, when people across Russia took to the streets to support Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny after he was detained. Later on Tuesday, the court will also consider eight reports concerning Facebook, which could lead to a total fine of up to 32 million roubles, the Interfax news agency said. In April, a court issued three separate fines against Twitter totalling 8.9 million roubles, over accusations it had failed to delete banned content. TikTok has also been fined for similar offences this year.

Russian court fines Google $81,810 for failing to delete banned content

A Moscow court has convicted Alexei Navalny for defaming a World War II veteran who was among a group of Russians he called "traitors" for appearing in a pro-Kremlin video.

Judge Vera Akimova ordered him to pay a fine of 850,000 rubles ($11,500/9,500 euros).

The said promotional video backed constitutional reforms last year. The reforms, approved in a referendum, will let Russian President Vladimir Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to.

Before the judge began reading the verdict, Navalny made jokes and spoke to reporters from inside his glass box. "Why are you so sad?" he said, adding he was trying to make ice cream in jail and had already made pickled cucumbers.

Navalny was ordered on February 2 to serve the time in a penal colony for breaching his parole terms while he was in Germany recovering from a nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin.

The Kremlin critic, earlier on Saturday, lost an appeal against his jailing over a separate case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-appeal-court-upholds-alexei-navalnys-prison-sentence-365022">Also read |&nbsp;Moscow appeal court upholds Alexei Navalny's prison sentence</a>

In the hearing, Judge Dmitry Balashov dismissed Navalny's appeal of a decision to imprison him for violating the terms of a suspended sentence on embezzlement charges he says were politically motivated.

He described the legal process to jail him as "absurd" and called on Russians to take action to make the country a better place.

"Russia should be not only free, but also happy," Navalny said.

Prosecutors said Navalny had acted as if he was above the law and had "an exclusive right to do as he pleases".

The judge did decide to count six weeks Navalny was under house arrest as part of the time served, so he will now be imprisoned for just over two-and-a-half years.

Navalny, 44, was ordered on February 2 to serve two years and eight months in a penal colony for breaching his parole terms while he was in Germany recovering from the nerve agent.

Russia has come under increasing Western pressure to release Navalny since he was detained on arrival at a Moscow airport in January.

He had spent months recovering in Germany from the attack with Novichok that saw him fall ill on a Siberian flight in August. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement.

His arrest last month sparked large demonstrations across the country while the European Union threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow.

More than 10,000 people were detained at the protests, with many of Navalny's allies now under house arrest, and his team has said there will be a break in demonstrations until later this year.

Europe's rights court ruled this week that Russia must immediately release Navalny, a motion swiftly brushed aside by the justice ministry.

EU foreign ministers, who are considering fresh sanctions over Navalny's arrest, are due to meet with two top Navalny aides in Brussels on Sunday.

(with inputs from agencies)

A Moscow court has convicted Alexei Navalny for defaming a World War II veteran who was among a group of Russians he called "traitors" for appearing in a pro-Kremlin video.

A Moscow court has convicted Alexei Navalny for defaming a World War II veteran who was among a group of Russians he called "traitors" for appearing in a pro-Kremlin video. Judge Vera Akimova ordered him to pay a fine of 850,000 rubles ($11,500/9,500 euros). The said promotional video backed constitutional reforms last year. The reforms, approved in a referendum, will let Russian President Vladimir Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants to. Before the judge began reading the verdict, Navalny made jokes and spoke to reporters from inside his glass box. "Why are you so sad?" he said, adding he was trying to make ice cream in jail and had already made pickled cucumbers. Navalny was ordered on February 2 to serve the time in a penal colony for breaching his parole terms while he was in Germany recovering from a nerve agent poisoning he blames on the Kremlin. The Kremlin critic, earlier on Saturday, lost an appeal against his jailing over a separate case. Also read | Moscow appeal court upholds Alexei Navalny's prison sentence In the hearing, Judge Dmitry Balashov dismissed Navalny's appeal of a decision to imprison him for violating the terms of a suspended sentence on embezzlement charges he says were politically motivated. He described the legal process to jail him as "absurd" and called on Russians to take action to make the country a better place. "Russia should be not only free, but also happy," Navalny said. Prosecutors said Navalny had acted as if he was above the law and had "an exclusive right to do as he pleases". The judge did decide to count six weeks Navalny was under house arrest as part of the time served, so he will now be imprisoned for just over two-and-a-half years. Navalny, 44, was ordered on February 2 to serve two years and eight months in a penal colony for breaching his parole terms while he was in Germany recovering from the nerve agent. Russia has come under increasing Western pressure to release Navalny since he was detained on arrival at a Moscow airport in January. He had spent months recovering in Germany from the attack with Novichok that saw him fall ill on a Siberian flight in August. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement. His arrest last month sparked large demonstrations across the country while the European Union threatened to impose new sanctions on Moscow. More than 10,000 people were detained at the protests, with many of Navalny's allies now under house arrest, and his team has said there will be a break in demonstrations until later this year. Europe's rights court ruled this week that Russia must immediately release Navalny, a motion swiftly brushed aside by the justice ministry. EU foreign ministers, who are considering fresh sanctions over Navalny's arrest, are due to meet with two top Navalny aides in Brussels on Sunday. (with inputs from agencies)

Moscow court convicts Kremlin critic Navalny in defamation case

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny lost his appeal on Saturday (February, 20) against what he said was a politically-motivated decision to jail him for nearly three years, but had his prison term slightly shortened.

Russian court rejects Kremlin critic Navalny's appeal against jail term

A Russian court has granted early release to a Danish citizen convicted of "extremism" last year, converting the rest of his six-year sentence to a fine, religious group Jehovah's Witnesses said.

Dennis Christensen, a member of the US-based Christian evangelical movement Jehovah's Witnesses, was arrested in May 2017 after Moscow branded the group as an extremist organisation and banned it.&nbsp;

He was sentenced to six years in prison in February 2019 in a case that drew widespread condemnation.

A judge in the southern Kursk region, where Christensen is serving his sentence, held his first parole hearing Tuesday and mitigated the remainder of his sentence to a fine of 400,000 rubles ($5,800), the Jehovah's Witnesses said in a statement.

Christensen is likely to be released within days of the decision, as the prosecution does not intend to appeal the ruling, the group said.

"We are pleased that Dennis may be going home to his wife, family, and friends in the coming weeks," it said.

Christensen was the first to be convicted by Russian courts among some 175 Jehovah's Witnesses who were sentenced to prison terms or put under arrest before trial following the ban on the group.

International rights groups, as well as the European Union, had urged Russia to release him.

A Russian court has granted early release to a Danish citizen convicted of "extremism" last year, converting the rest of his six-year sentence to a fine, religious group Jehovah's Witnesses said.

A Russian court has granted early release to a Danish citizen convicted of "extremism" last year, converting the rest of his six-year sentence to a fine, religious group Jehovah's Witnesses said. Dennis Christensen, a member of the US-based Christian evangelical movement Jehovah's Witnesses, was arrested in May 2017 after Moscow branded the group as an extremist organisation and banned it. He was sentenced to six years in prison in February 2019 in a case that drew widespread condemnation. A judge in the southern Kursk region, where Christensen is serving his sentence, held his first parole hearing Tuesday and mitigated the remainder of his sentence to a fine of 400,000 rubles ($5,800), the Jehovah's Witnesses said in a statement. Christensen is likely to be released within days of the decision, as the prosecution does not intend to appeal the ruling, the group said. "We are pleased that Dennis may be going home to his wife, family, and friends in the coming weeks," it said. Christensen was the first to be convicted by Russian courts among some 175 Jehovah's Witnesses who were sentenced to prison terms or put under arrest before trial following the ban on the group. International rights groups, as well as the European Union, had urged Russia to release him.

Russian court to release Danish citizen after extremism charge

Russia's Constitutional Court on Monday approved amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to the country's basic law, giving him the option of serving two further terms in office.

The Constitutional Court published the ruling on its website and immediately sent the ruling to Putin, who could now stay in power until 2036.

The court issued a speedy decision after Putin signed the final reform package on Saturday, though it had a week to consider its ruling.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-signs-russias-constitutional-reform-law-286399">&nbsp;Vladimir Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law</a>

Putin, 67, last week backed a last-minute proposal by the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, to add an amendment to the reform package allowing his possible return to the Kremlin after 2024.

Under the current constitution, he is not allowed to serve another presidential term, having served two consecutive stints from 2012.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-authorities-curate-rescue-plan-for-businesses-amid-covid-19-pandemic-286737">Russian authorities curate rescue plan for businesses amid covid-19 pandemic</a>

The new constitution would allow him to reset his term-limit clock back to zero, paving the way for him to stay in power until 2036.

The bill subsequently sailed through the upper house and regional parliaments as required last week.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Putin plans radical overhaul to constitution

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-putin-plans-radical-overhaul-to-constitution-285699/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian leader had proposed changes to the constitution in January but until last week denied that he was seeking to extend his rule.&nbsp;

His spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin changed his mind because of global instability.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-vladimir-putin-may-remain-president-for-life-285897">WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life</a>

The amendments also include stipulations banning gay marriages and protecting the "historic truth" of Russia's role in World War II.

Russia's Constitutional Court on Monday approved amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to the country's basic law, giving him the option of serving two further terms in office.

Russia's Constitutional Court on Monday approved amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to the country's basic law, giving him the option of serving two further terms in office. The Constitutional Court published the ruling on its website and immediately sent the ruling to Putin, who could now stay in power until 2036. The court issued a speedy decision after Putin signed the final reform package on Saturday, though it had a week to consider its ruling. Also read: Vladimir Putin signs Russia's constitutional reform law Putin, 67, last week backed a last-minute proposal by the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova, to add an amendment to the reform package allowing his possible return to the Kremlin after 2024. Under the current constitution, he is not allowed to serve another presidential term, having served two consecutive stints from 2012. Also see: Russian authorities curate rescue plan for businesses amid covid-19 pandemic The new constitution would allow him to reset his term-limit clock back to zero, paving the way for him to stay in power until 2036. The bill subsequently sailed through the upper house and regional parliaments as required last week. Watch: Gravitas: Putin plans radical overhaul to constitution The Russian leader had proposed changes to the constitution in January but until last week denied that he was seeking to extend his rule. His spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin changed his mind because of global instability. Also read: WION Edit: Vladimir Putin may remain President for life The amendments also include stipulations banning gay marriages and protecting the "historic truth" of Russia's role in World War II.

Russian Constitutional Court approves Putin reform plan

A Russian court on Monday found a former policeman guilty of 56 murders, while he is already serving a life sentence for killing 22 women, making him one of Russia's most prolific serial killers.

The court in the Siberian city of Irkutsk found Mikhail Popkov "guilty of killing 56 people between 1992 and 2007," Irkutsk regional prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Prosecutors said Popkov "has a pathological attraction to killing people." He was also found guilty of raping 10 of the victims.

He received a second life sentence on top of the one he is already serving and was also formally deprived of his pension as an ex-policeman.

Popkov in 2015 was found guilty of killing 22 women. He later confessed to 59 further murders but was convicted only of 56 on Monday because the investigators had not managed to prove three of the crimes took place, Interfax news agency reported citing the court's press service.

He killed his victims after offering them rides late at night, sometimes in a police car, while he was off-duty around his home city of Angarsk near Irkutsk. &nbsp;

The number of killings for which he has been convicted exceeds the total of several notorious murderers in Russia and the ex-Soviet Union.&nbsp;

"Chessboard killer" Alexander Pichushkin was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for 48 murders and Andrei Chikatilo was convicted of 52 Soviet-era murders.

A Russian court on Monday found a former policeman guilty of 56 murders, while he is already serving a life sentence for killing 22 women, making him one of Russia's most prolific serial killers.

A Russian court on Monday found a former policeman guilty of 56 murders, while he is already serving a life sentence for killing 22 women, making him one of Russia's most prolific serial killers. The court in the Siberian city of Irkutsk found Mikhail Popkov "guilty of killing 56 people between 1992 and 2007," Irkutsk regional prosecutor's office said in a statement. Prosecutors said Popkov "has a pathological attraction to killing people." He was also found guilty of raping 10 of the victims. He received a second life sentence on top of the one he is already serving and was also formally deprived of his pension as an ex-policeman. Popkov in 2015 was found guilty of killing 22 women. He later confessed to 59 further murders but was convicted only of 56 on Monday because the investigators had not managed to prove three of the crimes took place, Interfax news agency reported citing the court's press service. He killed his victims after offering them rides late at night, sometimes in a police car, while he was off-duty around his home city of Angarsk near Irkutsk. The number of killings for which he has been convicted exceeds the total of several notorious murderers in Russia and the ex-Soviet Union. "Chessboard killer" Alexander Pichushkin was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 for 48 murders and Andrei Chikatilo was convicted of 52 Soviet-era murders.

Russian ex-policeman convicted over 56 murders

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