Russia jails prominent anti-war politician for 11 years
Lev Shlosberg, 63, a senior opposition politician from the Yabloko party, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a Russian court.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Lev Shlosberg, 63, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a court in Pskov.
- He was found guilty of public actions aimed at discrediting Russian armed forces.
- His liberal party Yabloko confirmed it will appeal the court verdict.
- Yabloko was the only registered party to oppose the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Lev Shlosberg, a 63-year-old opposition politician, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a court in the north-western Russian city of Pskov on Monday. Prosecutors had originally demanded a prison term of 12 years and one month following comments published by Shlosberg on social media.
Following the verdict, Shlosberg strongly condemned the court's decision, stating that its sole purpose was to punish an individual for holding political, public, and civil positions. His liberal political party, Yabloko, where he serves as deputy head, immediately announced plans to appeal the ruling.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Yabloko holds a unique position as the only registered political party in Russia that officially opposed the full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in 2022. Since the onset of the conflict, any remaining domestic political opposition directed at President Vladimir Putin—who has held power for nearly 27 years—has been systematically crushed.
"Punish a person for his political, public and civil position"
Public displays of dissent throughout the country have been suppressed under wartime censorship laws, carrying severe penalties including hefty fines and lengthy prison terms. During the court proceedings, Shlosberg reiterated his appeals for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the initiation of political dialogue, though he was repeatedly interrupted by the presiding judge.
The sentencing of Lev Shlosberg highlights the ongoing crackdown on political dissent and anti-war voices within Russia. As the Kremlin tightens its grip ahead of electoral processes, remaining opposition figures and independent groups face intense legal pressure, sidelining alternative political views from the national parliament.
Meanwhile, all 10 other political parties participating in the September 18-20 election have expressed support for the military campaign in Ukraine. Recent polling data from Russia's state-owned pollster VCIOM indicated that the ruling United Russia party's ratings slipped to 32.1% earlier this month, marking its lowest figure since May.
Source: BBC World
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