AFP photo.
Moscow: A Russian court sentenced two men to long terms in prison for reciting poems criticizing the war in Ukraine, Agence France-Press reported.
The two men, identified as Artyom Kamardin and Yegor Shtovba, were sentenced to seven years and five years-seven months, respectively. Their supporters dissented the conviction and sentence with cries of "Shame", AFP added.
The Russian administration is suppressing hard any kind of support or dissent raised by the country's citizens. It has detained thousands for protests against the attacks on Ukraine, effectively outlawing criticism.
Thirty-three-year-old Kamardin alleged that he was put into a violent detention and was raped by officers. They raped him using a barbell, he alleged. He was forced to make an apology video threatening his girlfriend. He was arrested after he recited a poem, "Kill me, militia man!" on a square in Moscow. He shouted offensive slogans against the imperial New Russia project, which intends to annex the southern regions of Ukraine.
However, he told the court that he did not know that his actions broke the law and pleaded for mercy. He later said that he was no hero and did not wish to go to jail for his beliefs.
Kamardin's wife, Alexandra Popova, said that it is very harsh to send someone to jail for a non-violent crime.
Yury's father reacted after the sentence by saying that it was totally outrageous.
The court convicted the two of inciting hatred and holding activities threatening Russia.
AFP reports that most of Russia's opposition figures have fled the country or are behind bars.