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Because he vented his anger at Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin online, he must be behind bars: Oleg Belousov is said to have spread “fake news” about the Russian army and “incited extremism”.
That is why a court in St. Petersburg has now sentenced the disabled archaeologist to five and a half years in prison, reports Novaya Gazeta Europe. The prosecutor had initially demanded nine and a half years.
“The whole country plundered”
According to investigators, Belousov took to social media to criticize Russian troops. “Putin is the number one traitor who has plundered the whole country and is also a war criminal,” Belousov is said to have written.
Another message from Belousov, which his lawyer said was not from him: “Who started this murder? It was Putler.” Putler is a contraction of the names Putin and Hitler.
Seven years in prison for one word
Such beliefs are common in Russia. Criticism of the Kremlin and its war of aggression is considered taboo. For example, a local Moscow politician was sentenced to seven years in prison for describing the Russian invasion as a “war”. Another case: a 19-year-old student criticized the war online. As a result, she was classified as a terrorist. (Darling)
Source: Blick
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.
