A Moscow court upheld the jail sentence of Oleg Orlov, head of the Nobel-prize-winning human rights organization Memorial, for “discrediting” the Russian army. Orlov, 71, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after denouncing “mass repression” in Russia. Despite expressing no remorse, Orlov emphasized his commitment to standing with the persecuted. His defense team argued that Orlov, an elderly man with no prior convictions, should not be deprived of freedom for peacefully expressing his opinion. Supporters have raised concerns about his health and living conditions while in detention.
‘No Remorse’
“I have no remorse or regrets. I am in the right place at the right time,” Orlov asserted, emphasizing his dedication to fighting mass repression. His lawyer argued against his imprisonment, highlighting the impact on his family and his peaceful expression of his convictions. Orlov’s final words to the court drew parallels to the Nuremberg Trials, condemning the distortion of justice in Russia.
In a concerning trend, other activists like theater director Zhenya Berkovich and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk have also faced harsh sentences for criticizing the Russian government’s actions. The continued crackdown on dissent has sparked outrage among human rights defenders.
es/sms (AFP, Reuters)