Belgorod Courts Issue Terrorism and Treason Verdicts, Including 21-Year Term for Gas Technician

Overview

• The Second Western District Military Court sentenced 37-year-old Alexander Chebotarev to 21 years for state treason, participation in a designated terrorist organization, and illegal handling of weapons and explosives.
• Judges ordered Chebotarev to serve the first four years in prison before a strict-regime colony, imposed a 700,000‑ruble fine, and confiscated money and devices tied to alleged terrorist activity.
• Court materials state Chebotarev contacted the banned Freedom of Russia Legion, moved weapons parts across regions, and stored Ukrainian-made arms and explosives in a Belgorod-area garage discovered on August 28, 2024; he denied the charges but earlier statements were cited.
• Regional prosecutors said a 50-year-old resident of the Novy Oskol district received 17 years for involvement with a terrorist organization and preparing a terrorist act, with the first five years in prison and a 330,000‑ruble fine; the verdict has not yet taken legal effect.
• Separate rulings imposed five-year terms on Belgorod residents for online incitement and justification of terrorism, including Maxim Serikov and Ozon Bank specialist Konstantin Pashyan, with three-year bans on administering websites after release.