Russian-US journalist Gessen sentenced to 8 years jail in absentia

A Moscow court has sentenced Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen to eight years in prison in absentia for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian army’s actions in Ukraine. Gessen, who is currently residing in the United States, is known for contributing to the New Yorker and has been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin. The charges stem from Gessen’s claims that the Russian military killed civilians in the Ukrainian city of Bucha in March 2022, allegations that the Kremlin denies.

In addition to Gessen, a former municipal deputy, Elena Kotenochkina, was also sentenced in absentia to seven and a half years for spreading “fakes” about the Russian army. Kotenochkina had defended fellow deputy Alexei Gorinov, who was jailed for seven years after calling for a minute’s silence for the victims of the Ukraine conflict during a council meeting.

Russia has cracked down on independent reporting and criticism of its military since launching its offensive in Ukraine, making such activities illegal shortly after the conflict began. Both Gessen and Kotenochkina have fled Russia and continue to face repercussions for their outspoken positions against the war and the Kremlin’s policies.