Lev Shlosberg given 11-year Russian prison term

A Russian court in Pskov sentenced opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years and one month in prison on Monday over his criticism of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.

The court found the 63-year-old deputy head of the Yabloko party guilty of “public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.” Asked by the judge whether he understood the verdict, Shlosberg said: “I feel sorry for you, Your Honour, you have to live with this.”

Yabloko leaders Nikolay Rybakov and Grigory Yavlinsky called the ruling “the tragedy of the disintegration of modern Russian justice” and said the party would seek an end to Shlosberg's prosecution by all lawful means.

Amnesty International said Shlosberg's prosecution and sentencing were “blatant reprisals” for exercising his right to freedom of expression to call for peace.

Shlosberg has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He was charged over taking part in an online debate on the war and sharing critical articles about it.

Yabloko, Russia's only anti-war party still functioning in the country, was barred last week from running in September legislative elections and was appealing that ruling Monday.

Russia has criminalised criticism of its offensive in Ukraine, including under laws punishing “discrediting” the army and spreading “false information” about it, with sentences of up to 15 years.