A Russian court has sentenced a woman to two years in prison for publicly displaying signs criticizing President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine.
This ruling is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in the country.
Elena Abramova, a translator from Saint Petersburg, held placards in 2023 that read, “A world without war, a Russia without Putin!” and “Freedom for Navalny! Freedom for all political prisoners,” as stated by the city’s court service.
The Kuibyshev District Court in Saint Petersburg found her guilty of “discrediting the armed forces,” a charge frequently used against those who oppose Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
As a result, she was sentenced to two years behind bars.
Since Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, authorities have penalized thousands of dissenters, imposing fines and prison terms.
Rights groups have pointed to the Kremlin and security agencies as driving forces behind this suppression.
The Russian government has also classified the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny and his movement as “extremist.”
Under this ruling, anyone referencing Navalny without acknowledging this label risks fines or imprisonment of up to four years for repeated violations.
