A Russian District Military Court has sentenced Aleksei Gorinov, an anti-war activist and former Moscow municipal deputy, to an additional three years in prison. This verdict comes on top of a seven-year sentence Gorinov is already serving for spreading false information in 2022. According to local media reports, the new charges relate to accusations of ‘justifying terrorism.’ Gorinov was alleged to have spoken favorably about the Crimean Bridge explosion and terrorist-designated groups during conversations with fellow inmates at a prison hospital.
Gorinov’s defense, led by lawyer Alena Savelyeva, argued that the accusations were founded on provocation and unreliable evidence, including secret audio recordings and synchronized witness statements. Despite these defenses, the court refused to dismiss the contentious evidence. Linguist Elena Novozhilova, testifying for the defense, asserted that Gorinov’s comments did not amount to justifying terrorism and were instigated by others.
In his closing statement, Gorinov reaffirmed his anti-war stance, condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and criticizing Russia’s political system for targeting peaceful dissenters. He accepted personal responsibility for the war and called for broader accountability among those supporting the conflict and those quashing peace advocacy. Details of his final statement were highlighted in a post on social media.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have strongly criticized the trial and its outcome. Amnesty International’s Russia Director, Natalia Zviagina, labeled the sentence as “outrageous” and indicative of Russia’s broader political reprisals against opposition. She called for Gorinov’s release and respect for free expression rights, rather than punitive measures that reflect political retaliation. More on this perspective can be accessed via Amnesty International’s statement.
The case accentuates the ongoing contentious climate in Russia regarding dissent and free speech, amidst efforts to quell opposition to government policies and actions against Ukraine.