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.
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
China to Build 2,000 Fitness Facilities by 2025
Marriages Fall in 2021 Leading to Lower Birth Rates in China, Despite Declining Divorce Rate
Domestic Brands Attract Young Consumers
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
Rural Women Plant Trees, Hope in South China Desert
Farmers Busy with Spring Farming Across China
Postgraduate Exam More Competitive
China to Further Strengthen Regulation of Livestreaming Sector
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
China to Hold over 200 Popular