Russia's Surge in Treason Cases Targets Scientists, Journalists, and Citizens
A dramatic increase in treason and espionage prosecutions under Putin's regime has led to numerous convictions, often in secret trials.
- Treason and espionage cases have sharply increased in Russia since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
- Prosecutions often involve scientists, journalists, and ordinary citizens accused of aiding foreign entities.
- Notable cases include Ivan Safronov, a former journalist sentenced to 22 years, and physicist Valery Golubkin, sentenced to 12 years.
- Many trials are held behind closed doors, with convictions almost guaranteed and evidence often kept secret.
- Human rights groups criticize these prosecutions as politically motivated and compare them to Soviet-era purges.
Associated Press 