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Russian Court Sentences Opposition Figure Sergei Udaltsov to Six Years for 'Justifying Terrorism'

The verdict follows online comments backing activists given long prison terms, reflecting the use of terrorism laws to quash dissent.

Overview

  • A Moscow military court, the Second Western District Military Court, delivered the ruling and ordered Udaltsov to a maximum‑security penal colony.
  • Udaltsov denounced the decision as shameful, announced a hunger strike, and said he would appeal.
  • Independent outlets and Udaltsov’s own statements link the charge to his online support for activists recently convicted of terrorism and attempted coup and sentenced to 16–22 years.
  • Prosecutors had sought a seven‑year term, and Udaltsov has been held in pre‑trial detention since January 2024.
  • The Left Front leader is a pro‑war leftist and long‑time critic of Vladimir Putin with prior convictions and ties to Russia’s Communist Party.