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Russian-American Jailed for Ukraine Donation
A Russian court upheld a 12-year prison sentence for a Russian-American woman who donated to a Ukrainian aid group.
French
France
International RelationsHuman Rights ViolationsRussiaRussia Ukraine WarUkraineFrancePolitical RepressionPrison Sentence
RazomUkrainian Armed Forces
Ksenia KarelinaVladimir Putin
- How did the Russian court justify Karelina's conviction?
- The court deemed the donation was used by the Ukrainian armed forces for acquiring tactical medicine, equipment, weapons, and ammunition. The funds transfer occurred on February 24, 2022, the day of the Russian offensive in Ukraine.
- What is the US government's reaction to Karelina's conviction?
- The US government criticized the verdict, alleging that Russia is using arrests of its citizens as leverage in prisoner exchanges. Washington sees this case as an example of Moscow's use of detained Americans as bargaining chips.
- What is Ksenia Karelina's background and where was she when she was arrested?
- Karelina, a 33-year-old residing in California, had visited her grandparents in Russia when she was arrested. She had lived in the US for over a decade and holds American citizenship.
- What was Ksenia Karelina sentenced for and what was the length of her sentence?
- Ksenia Karelina, a Russian-American citizen, had her 12-year prison sentence for treason upheld by a Russian court. The sentence stemmed from a 50 euro donation she made to a Ukrainian support organization.
- What is the broader context of Karelina's case within Russia's actions since the beginning of the war in Ukraine?
- Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has seen a surge in arrests and prosecutions of individuals for alleged anti-war activities or expressions of dissent. Many face lengthy prison sentences on charges such as treason, espionage, or extremism.