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.
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
Nikola Jokic's brother appears to PUNCH a fan in the face after Nuggets' comeback win over Lakers
English singer Tom Grennan promises 'big risks' with daring new album ahead of Australian tour
Emily Blunt looks sensational in a white vegetable
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
Biden tries to navigate the Israel
Teresa Palmer dazzles in rhinestones and a plunging top in behind
Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
Shawn Mendes, 25, REUNITES with chiropractor pal Dr. Jocelyne Miranda, 52, for morning walk in LA
Siblings trying to make US water polo teams for Paris Olympics
Solomon Islands PM Sogavare commands largest bloc in Parliament after election — Radio Free Asia