Putin critic Aleksandr Skobov was handed a 16‑year prison sentence
Aleksandr Skobov, a well-known dissident and critic of Vladimir Putin, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for "terrorism". The sentence has sparked outrage among human rights defenders.
What do you need to know?
- A court in St. Petersburg sentenced Aleksandr Skobov to 16 years in prison for "justifying terrorism" and "participating in a terrorist organisation".
- The prosecution demanded 18 years of imprisonment.
- Skobov was declared a "foreign agent" and arrested a year ago for collaborating with the opposition Free Russia Forum.
Aleksandr Skobov, a dissident known since Soviet times, was sentenced on Friday by a court in St. Petersburg to 16 years in prison. The 67-year-old was also fined 300,000 roubles (approximately £2,700). The sentence pertains to "justifying terrorism" and "participating in a terrorist organisation".
The prosecution demanded an 18-year sentence for the critic of Putin, who opposes the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
67-year-old Putin critic sentenced
The court’s ruling has sparked intense criticism from human rights advocates. Skobov, who endured forced psychiatric treatment in the 1970s for what was labelled "anti-Soviet agitation," is currently designated a "foreign agent" by Russia’s Ministry of Justice. Novaya Gazeta Europe underscores that the state is effectively punishing a dissident for his words, drawing attention to the ongoing repression of regime critics.
Skobov was arrested a year ago due to his collaboration with the opposition Free Russia Forum and a post about the explosion on the Crimean Bridge. His health has deteriorated in custody, which, combined with his age, means the sentence could be tantamount to life imprisonment for him.
Novaya Gazeta Europe reports that, given the dissident’s age and health issues, the sentence handed down on Friday effectively amounts to a life sentence.
