Russian prosecutors are seeking a 10-year prison sentence for Antonina Martynova, the wife of exiled journalist Kirill Martynov, for the alleged attempted murder of her daughter 16 years ago. Martynova had previously avoided punishment after a Russian jury found her guilty of trying to throw her toddler-aged daughter down a stairwell. Martynova has claimed that her daughter fell while climbing through a stair railing. Prosecutors are asking the Novgorod District Court to sentence Martynova to 10 years in a medium-security prison on charges of attempted murder.
Martynova recounted to the court that she and her daughter lived in hiding in Stavropol while she was a fugitive from the law. Her daughter, Alisa, lived without identity papers and only learned her real name after her mother’s arrest, having been homeschooled during their time in hiding. The judge ordered Martynova to undergo a mental health evaluation, but denied the defense team’s request for a new trial with additional examinations. Kirill Martynov, Antonina’s husband and editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta Europe, has not commented on the case, and the couple is still legally married.
Last summer, Russian state media reported an investigation into Kirill Martynov on suspicion of coercing his wife to harm Alisa, her daughter from a previous marriage. However, the only witness in that case, who was 11 years old at the time, died from a drug overdose. The case has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the attempted murder and allegations against the Martynov family. There are conflicting reports about what occurred and the motivations behind the attack on Alisa.
The case has sparked controversy in Russia, as it involves a well-known journalist and his family. The allegations of attempted murder and coercion raise concerns about abuse and family dynamics within the Martynov household. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the Martynovs and could have lasting effects on their family relationships and reputations. The case has also drawn attention to the issue of domestic violence and child abuse, highlighting the need for protections and support for victims in similar situations.
The prosecution’s request for a 10-year prison sentence for Antonina Martynova underscores the seriousness of the allegations against her. The court proceedings and investigation into the case have been closely monitored by the media and the public, with many expressing outrage and disbelief at the accusations. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched and could have far-reaching consequences for the Martynov family and their status in Russian society. The case raises important questions about justice, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The resolution of the case will be a critical moment for all involved and could shape future actions and decisions regarding similar cases.
