A Russian court has denied an appeal by U.S.-Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina against a 12-year prison sentence for donating approximately $50 to a pro-Ukraine charity. The Sverdlovsk region appeals court announced that Karelina’s appeal was rejected, and the original sentence will stand. Karelina, a 32-year-old ballet dancer and spa worker from Los Angeles, was initially detained in January 2024 in Yekaterinburg on charges of “petty hooliganism,” which were later changed to “treason.” She was found guilty in August of treason for donating $51.80 to the New York-based charity, Razom for Ukraine, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia alleged that Karelina was involved in collecting money that was used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces. Karelina’s case is one among several involving U.S. citizens and dual citizens imprisoned in Russia. The situation reflects the heightened tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Karelina’s imprisonment has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the treatment of individuals supporting Ukraine, as well as the broader issues of human rights and legal processes in Russia.
The denial of Karelina’s appeal highlights the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts and the ways in which such disputes can impact ordinary citizens. Karelina’s case underscores the risks associated with engaging in charitable activities perceived as supportive of adversaries of the Russian government. The harsh sentencing for a seemingly minor donation underscores the severity of treason charges in Russia and the strict enforcement of laws that may come into conflict with international norms and standards.
The decision of the court to uphold Karelina’s sentence has led to calls for international intervention to secure her release and to address the broader issues of political and legal repression in Russia. The situation has also sparked discussions about the role of independent journalism in shedding light on such cases and advocating for justice and transparency. The Moscow Times, an independent media outlet that has faced censorship and persecution in Russia, has called attention to Karelina’s plight and the challenges faced by journalists working under restrictive conditions.
The appeal by The Moscow Times for support in the face of increasing repression from Russian authorities underscores the importance of maintaining independent voices and outlets that can provide accurate and unbiased reporting on sensitive issues. The ongoing pressure on journalists and media organizations in Russia demonstrates the need for solidarity and advocacy to defend freedom of speech and press freedoms. The case of Ksenia Karelina serves as a reminder of the broader struggles for justice and human rights in the context of international conflicts and authoritarian regimes. It highlights the importance of standing up for individuals like Karelina and supporting efforts to hold governments accountable for their actions.
