August M
A prominent Russian political activist has been handed a lengthy prison sentence following a closed court process in Moscow. The case has drawn attention because of his long and complex history with the Kremlin and Russia’s opposition movements.
The ruling comes amid continued pressure on political dissent in Russia.
Court decision announced
Russian left-wing activist Sergei Udaltsov has been sentenced to six years in a penal colony, according to Interfax, as cited by AFP. A military court in Moscow found the 48-year-old guilty of “justifying terrorism”.
“Udaltsov has been sentenced to six years in prison,” the judge said on Thursday, Interfax reported.
The prosecution had sought a seven-year sentence, while Udaltsov’s lawyers called for his acquittal.
Details kept secret
The exact nature of the charges has not been made public. At an earlier hearing, Udaltsov said the case against him stemmed from online statements in which he allegedly expressed support for Marxist activists.
Those activists were recently convicted of organising what authorities described as a terrorist group in the city of Ufa, in central Russia. According to Mediazona, cited by The Guardian, they were sentenced earlier this month to prison terms ranging from 16 to 22 years.
Udaltsov has been held in custody since January 2024.
Reaction and response
Udaltsov has rejected the verdict, describing the charges as fabricated and the sentence as shameful.
He has said he will appeal the ruling and warned that he plans to go on a hunger strike.
The court decision adds to a long list of legal cases against the activist, who has repeatedly clashed with Russian authorities.
Political background
Udaltsov was a leading opposition figure during protests that followed Vladimir Putin’s re-election as president in 2012. Two years later, he was convicted of organising mass unrest and sentenced to three years in prison.
Despite his opposition history, Udaltsov has at times expressed support for the Kremlin, including backing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He is also known for praising former Soviet leader Josef Stalin and has publicly argued for the restoration of the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991.
Sources: Interfax, AFP, Mediazona, The Guardian
