In a decisive move, a Russian court on Thursday convicted Sergei Udaltsov, a prominent opposition figure, for justifying terrorism and sentenced him to six years in prison. The verdict followed a trial that focused on his online activity and alleged support for a group accused of forming a terrorist organization. The court’s decision adds to a growing list of cases targeting dissent in the country.
Charges and Trial
Udaltsov was charged with justifying terrorism based on an article he posted online in support of other Russian activists. Those activists had earlier been convicted this month and received sentences ranging from 16 to 22 years. Mediazona reported that the charges stem from the content of that article.
The court ruling states that Udaltsov will serve his sentence in a maximum-security penal colony. The decision was made by a court in Russia, but the specific court name was not disclosed in the report.
Udaltsov’s Response
Udaltsov has repeatedly called the charges fabricated. He denied any wrongdoing and said he would go on a hunger strike to protest the verdict. Mediazona described his reaction as “shameful.”
Background and Past Arrests
Udaltsov rose to prominence during the 2011-12 mass protests that erupted after allegations of widespread rigging in a parliamentary election. In February 2012 he participated in a meeting with then-President Dmitry Medvedev that brought together various opposition figures.
He had previously been imprisoned in 2014 and received a 4½-year sentence for his role in a 2012 demonstration against Putin that turned turbulent. He was released in 2017 after serving his term.
Political Context
Since the Kremlin’s deployment of troops into Ukraine, Russian authorities have intensified a crackdown on dissent. They have targeted rights groups, independent media, civil society organisations, LGBTQ+ activists and some religious groups. Hundreds have been jailed and thousands have fled the country.
In December 2023, a Moscow court sentenced Udaltsov to 40 hours of compulsory labour for violating rally-organising procedures. He was detained on Red Square after attempting to unfurl a flag bearing the image of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, according to Russia’s state news agency Tass. The sentence followed his earlier detention for that act.
Key Takeaways
- Udaltsov, a long-time opposition activist, was sentenced to six years for justifying terrorism.
- The charges stem from an online article supporting other activists who were recently convicted.
- The verdict follows a broader crackdown on dissent after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Closing
The sentence marks another step in the Russian government’s efforts to silence political opposition and control public discourse. It also highlights the continued use of criminal law to target those who challenge the Kremlin’s narrative.
