In Russia, a Russian-American dual national was arrested while visiting her family in the city of Yekaterinburg. Russia’s domestic secret service FSB accuses the 33-year-old spa beautician and amateur ballerina, who lives in Los Angeles, of high treason. A video distributed by the Russian state media agency “RIA Novosti” shows her being given a show trial:
According to her Vkontakte profile, Russian Ksenia Karelina has had American citizenship since 2021 and lives in Los Angeles, where she runs a spa. When she recently went to visit her family at her old house, she was arrested. She now faces twenty years in prison. The accusation: high treason. According to Russia’s domestic intelligence service FSB, it actively supported and co-financed the Ukrainian war effort.
Donation of 50 francs – for humanitarian purposes
The Russia-independent news platform ‘Moscow Times’ and the human rights group ‘Perviy Otdel’ (which roughly translates as ‘First Department’), which consists of lawyers, investigated and discovered that Karelina actually donated the equivalent of almost 50 francs to the Ukrainian organization active in New York Aid organization “Razom for Ukraine” (German: Together for Ukraine). The organization is shocking. The donations are used for humanitarian purposes and not for ‘war efforts’, as the Russian secret service Karelina accuses.
The US wants to investigate the incident
The US now wants to investigate the incident and warns its citizens. White House spokesman John F. Kirby said the Biden administration was trying to learn more about the arrest and the circumstances.
Experts say Russian authorities could target Americans as a potential bargaining chip for a possible prisoner swap, such as the one that freed American basketball star Brittney Griner in late 2022, the Los Angeles Times reports. A Russian arms dealer named Viktor Bout was involved in this exchange.
Kirby also warned that American citizens are in grave danger in Russia. “I want to reiterate our strong warnings about the danger to American citizens in Russia,” he said. “So if you are a U.S. citizen – including dual nationals – who is in or traveling to Russia, you must leave immediately or end your trip.” (lso)
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Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
