Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Time:2024-05-21 15:52:50 Source:worldViews(143)
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Russian court on Monday opened the trial of a theater director and a playwright accused of advocating terrorism in a play, the latest step in an unrelenting crackdown on dissent in Russia that has reached new heights since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.
Zhenya Berkovich, a prominent independent theater director, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk have been jailed for over a year. Authorities claim their play “Finist, the Brave Falcon” justifies terrorism, which is a criminal offense in Russia punishable by up to seven years in prison. Berkovich and Petriychuk have both repeatedly rejected the accusations against them.
Berkovich told the court on Monday that she staged the play in order to prevent terrorism, and Petriychuk echoed her sentiment, saying that she wrote it in order to prevent events like those depicted in the play.
Previous:Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
You may also like
- Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
- Coyotes players informed the team is expected to move to Salt Lake City, AP source says
- He once swore off politics. Now, this Georgia activist is trying to recruit people who seldom vote
- Butler hits home run, winning single to lift A's to 2
- Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
- AAC Commissioner Tim Pernetti says CFP expansion is encouraging and there is room for more growth
- Trump's abortion statement angers conservatives and gives the Biden campaign a new target
- What to expect in Michigan's state house special elections
- Candice Swanepoel stuns in a form