TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Russian court on Monday opened the trial of a theater director and a playwright accused of advocating terrorism in a play, the latest step in an unrelenting crackdown on dissent in Russia that has reached new heights since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.
Zhenya Berkovich, a prominent independent theater director, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk have been jailed for over a year. Authorities claim their play “Finist, the Brave Falcon” justifies terrorism, which is a criminal offense in Russia punishable by up to seven years in prison. Berkovich and Petriychuk have both repeatedly rejected the accusations against them.
Berkovich told the court on Monday that she staged the play in order to prevent terrorism, and Petriychuk echoed her sentiment, saying that she wrote it in order to prevent events like those depicted in the play.
Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation
China emphasises importance in relations with the UK
Washington urged to respect rule of law in Hong Kong
China lodges solemn representations with U.S. over harassment of Chinese visitors
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Attack on Iranian consulate in Syria condemned
China Coast Guard responds to trespassing of illegal Philippine ships
China strongly condemns provocative visit of UK politicians to the island of Taiwan
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
China to take countermeasures if U.S. imposes visa restrictions on Hong Kong officials: spokesperson