Russian Playwright and Director Sentenced to 6 Years for “Justifying Terrorism”

A Russian military court has shocked the artistic community by sentencing playwright Svetlana Petriychuk and theater director Evgenia Berkovich to six years in prison for “justifying terrorism” in their play about women marrying Islamic State jihadists in Syria. The trial, held behind closed doors, has raised concerns about freedom of expression in Russia.

Berkovich, known for her critical songs against Russia’s actions in Ukraine, faced arrest and a brief jail term in connection to her activism. Supporters believe her conviction is more about her protest than the play. The trial has drawn international criticism, with Human Rights Watch denouncing it as “absurd” and unfair.

The defense plans to appeal the verdict, calling the sentence “cruel.” The play, which won awards, aimed to raise awareness about terrorism. The case underscores the challenges artists face in a country where dissent is increasingly stifled.