Russian Activists Sentenced to Years in Prison for Anti-Ukraine Campaign Protest

 Two men, Artyom Kamardin and Yegor Shtovba have been sentenced to several years in prison for their involvement in a protest against the Ukraine campaign. Kamardin received a seven-year prison term for reciting a poem, while Shtovba was sentenced to five and a half years for attending the protest. Both were convicted of inciting hatred and calling for activities threatening state security. Kamardin, in particular, claims he was raped by police officers during his detention and was forced to film an apology video as officers threatened his partner.

He had recited his poem, "Kill me, militia man!" in September 2022, and shouted offensive slogans against the imperial New Russia project aiming to annex the south of Ukraine. He told the court that he did not know his actions broke the law and asked for mercy, asserting that going to prison for his beliefs was never in his plans. Shtovba also insisted he did not break the law and addressed his mother in court, expressing regret for leaving her and his father alone. After the sentencing, the courtroom erupted in cries of "Shame!" from supporters, some of whom were later detained by police outside the court building.

These are the latest in a series of heavy sentences against Russians who protested the offensive, with trials that critics denounce as absurd. Germany's foreign ministry condemned the Kremlin for letting the judiciary stifle freedom of expression. The sentencing was met with widespread criticism, including from human rights advocates and foreign governments, who condemned the verdict and accused Russian authorities of stifling freedom of expression. Many view these trials as an attempt to silence dissent and criticism of the government.