Russian court sentenced exiled opposition politician Dmitry Gudkov to eight years in prison “in absentia” for criticizing Russia’s war in Ukraine. Gudkov, a former MP, was found guilty of publishing “false information” about the Russian military out of “political hatred.” Russia has targeted Kremlin opponents who have left the country with similar convictions, criminalizing dissent about the military.
Gudkov, known for his criticism of President Vladimir Putin, sees the sentence as a “badge of honor.” Now residing in Cyprus, he left Russia in 2021 after threats of arrest. Gudkov’s father, also a politician, left Russia in 2019. Moscow has labeled Gudkov a “foreign agent” and launched a criminal case against him for a YouTube video criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Despite the sentence, Gudkov remains a prominent voice against Putin’s regime. He was a close ally of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, advocating for change at anti-Putin rallies. In standing for his beliefs, Gudkov faces persecution from the Russian government, painting a grim reality for dissenters in modern Russia.
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