Information
Russian human rights campaigner Oleg Orlov, co-chairperson of the Nobel Prize-winning Memorial group, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for discrediting the army in an article denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The verdict, criticised by Memorial and numerous rights groups, is viewed as part of an escalating crackdown on Kremlin critics since the invasion in February 2022. The prosecution claimed Orlov’s article reflected hostility against Russian values and military hatred. Orlov, in his closing remarks, called the Russian state “totalitarian” and “fascist,” connecting the repression of critics to the death of opposition figure Alexey Navalny and the Russian military’s entry into Ukraine. Despite the sentencing, Orlov’s legal team plans to appeal, and Memorial vows to continue its human rights work.
The case highlights concerns about shrinking space for dissent in Russia, with activists facing judicial reprisals and accusations of undermining national values. The sentencing follows a pattern of crackdown on critics, with Navalny’s death and the military intervention in Ukraine contributing to the intensified repression. The broader context underscores the challenges faced by human rights defenders and activists, who risk legal consequences and imprisonment for expressing dissenting views in an increasingly restrictive environment.
Source: Reuters, AFP
Assessment
While this is an unsurprising outcome, it is possible that Putin and the Kremlin are currently nervous about any forms of public descent that could lead to a build-up in anti-government movements. Up until recently, the Kremlin allowed opposition such as Navalny and Orlov to criticise them as it gave them a level of deniability when it came to accusations of election rigging. However, as tensions have increased due to the invasion of Ukraine, it has become less willing to accept these critical voices and has instead looked to blame the West for trying to interfere with the internal politics of Russia.
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