Russian Opposition Deputy Leader Jailed for Seven Years Over Anti-War Posts

Maxim Kruglov, deputy leader of Russia’s Yabloko party, was convicted of spreading false information about the Russian army and handed a seven-year prison sentence. He was arrested last October over two Telegram posts he made in 2022 criticizing Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Kruglov argues the verdict effectively outlaws public dissent, telling the court that political disagreement is now treated as hatred. His party faces a parliamentary election in just over two months, but officials have signaled they will not tolerate any opposition voice. Yabloko leader Nikolai Rybakov condemned the ruling as unjust. He warned that if voters accept such sentences as normal, there is little point in participating in elections or supporting any party other than Yabloko.

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