In a court ruling, former Moscow municipal deputy and Pussy Riot member Lucy Shtein was sentenced to six years in prison in absentia for sharing anti-war social media posts. The Basmanny District Court in Moscow found Shtein guilty of spreading “war fakes” and stated that her prison term would commence once she is extradited to Russia. Shtein, who fled house arrest in Russia for Lithuania with her partner and bandmate Maria Alyokhina following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, was also reported to have obtained Icelandic citizenship in a quick process in May.
The sentencing of Shtein was based on a March 2022 post on social media platform X, in which she accused Russian soldiers held captive by Ukrainian troops of attacking foreign cities and causing fatalities. Prosecutors sought an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence against her, with Shtein herself joking on X about her mother wagering on a nine-year sentence. Initially placed on a wanted list by Russian law enforcement in May 2022, Shtein faced unspecified charges. However, the state-run media alleged that she was charged with disseminating “false” information about the Russian military in Ukraine, which is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison according to Russia’s wartime censorship laws.
Prior to her activism and exile, Shtein had served as a Moscow municipal deputy after her election as a member of the Yabloko liberal opposition party in 2017. Following her departure from Russia, Shtein continued her activism through social media posts and public statements, critiquing the government’s actions and policies. Shtein’s outspokenness and defiance against censorship resulted in her being targeted by Russian authorities, leading to her exile and subsequent criminal prosecution. The case against Shtein reflects a larger trend of crackdowns on dissent and free speech in Russia, particularly in light of the country’s military actions in Ukraine.
The conviction of Shtein highlights the risks faced by activists and opposition figures in Russia who speak out against the government’s actions, particularly regarding foreign policy and military conflicts. The heavy-handed response by Russian authorities towards Shtein for her social media posts demonstrates the extent to which dissent is suppressed and punished in the country. Shtein’s six-year prison sentence, handed down in absentia, serves as a warning to others who may consider criticizing the government or expressing controversial opinions, reinforcing the climate of fear and intimidation that exists for those who challenge the status quo.
The legal persecution of Shtein raises concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms and human rights in Russia, as well as the broader implications for freedom of expression and dissent globally. Shtein’s case reflects a pattern of silencing opposition voices and suppressing independent media in Russia, which has intensified under President Vladimir Putin’s rule. The international community has condemned Shtein’s conviction and called for her release, highlighting the need to protect fundamental rights and uphold the rule of law. As Shtein continues to face persecution and prosecution for her activism, her plight serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to challenge authoritarian regimes and speak truth to power.
