A Russian tribunal connected Thursday sentenced Dmitry Talantov, a salient lawyer who erstwhile defended jailed writer Ivan Safronov, to 7 years successful situation for criticizing Russia's full-scale penetration of Ukraine connected societal media.
Talantov was arrested successful July 2022 aft helium likened Russian subject actions successful the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Bucha to "Nazi practices." He was charged nether a censorship instrumentality introduced soon aft the invasion, accused of spreading "fake" accusation astir the Russian service and inciting hatred.
Talantov, the erstwhile caput of the Udmurtia Bar Association, antecedently represented Safronov, a writer specializing successful subject affairs whose 22-year treason condemnation successful 2021 shocked Russia's media community.
During his affectional tribunal statement, Talantov expressed doubts astir surviving his situation condemnation but stood by his disapproval of the war.
"I americium 64, and it is hard for maine to ideate coming retired of situation alive," helium said successful a signaling published by the rights radical Perviy Otdel.
Talantov described harsh conditions successful detention, including spending 2 years successful solitary confinement successful what helium called a "Medieval cell" with lone a toilet spread and a tap. He said isolation was compounded by the Russian nationalist anthem blaring astatine dawn and dusk, followed by pro-Kremlin vigor broadcasts.
"I americium waiting for words of peace. They bash not come," helium said. Addressing his wife, helium added: "Olga, forgive me. I emotion you."
Talantov was detained astatine his dacha successful 2022. His apprehension sparked outrage among Russia's ineligible community, with much than 300 lawyers signing a petition demanding his release.
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