Russia sentences prominent opposition politician Lev Shlosberg to 11 years in prison over criticism of the war in Ukraine. Multiple outlets report the sentence is imposed by a Russian court and that Shlosberg, a member and senior figure in the Yabloko party, condemns the verdict as political punishment.
The reporting describes Shlosberg as repeatedly calling for a ceasefire and as facing charges linked to his participation in an online discussion about the war and his sharing of material critical of it. Outlets also state he is convicted of “discrediting” Russia’s armed forces. Several sources specify the term as 11 years in prison or in a penal colony, with one outlet citing “11 years and one month,” reflecting differences in how the sentence length is reported.
Across outlets, the broader context is Russia’s wider crackdown on dissent since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. DW and other reports frame the case as part of efforts to restrict public opposition. South China Morning Post additionally links the crackdown to political developments ahead of next month’s parliamentary election, though all sources focus on the same underlying conviction for anti-war statements.
