Key facts
- Lev Shlosberg, deputy chairman of Russia's Yabloko party, was sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison.
- The sentence was for criticizing the war in Ukraine and discrediting the armed forces.
- Shlosberg was accused of spreading fake news about the Russian army, including reposting a Daily Mirror cover.
- The Yabloko party, which opposes the war, plans to appeal the ruling.
- The Yabloko party was recently banned from participating in upcoming parliamentary elections.
Russian opposition politician Lev Shlosberg has been sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison for criticizing the war in Ukraine and discrediting the armed forces. Shlosberg, the deputy chairman of the Yabloko party, was found guilty of repeatedly discrediting the army and spreading fake news, including reposting a Daily Mirror cover depicting an injured Ukrainian woman.
The Yabloko party, considered the only Russian political party opposed to the war, criticized the proceedings as unfair and plans to appeal the ruling. The party itself was recently banned by Russia's Supreme Court from participating in upcoming parliamentary elections.
Prosecutors argued Shlosberg's statements, including advocating for a ceasefire and criticizing the governor of Pskov Oblast, constituted discrediting the army. The party stated that the threat of a lengthy prison sentence for words about saving lives and love of the Motherland signifies a tragedy for Russia's justice system.