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.
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
New Mexico governor seeks hydrogen investment with trip to Netherlands
Skenes strikes out 7 in debut, Pirates hit 5 homers in 10
Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
I didn't realise a DEADLY hazard was hiding in the tiles of my new home
In progressive Argentina, the LGBTQ+ community says Milei has turned back the clock
Brave decisions, a historic abdication
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Clevinger combines with 3 relievers on a 4
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
Buddha's birthday: When is it and how is it celebrated in different countries?