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Russian Doctor Convicted for Criticizing Ukraine War
A Russian doctor is convicted and sentenced to over 5 years in prison for allegedly criticizing the war in Ukraine.
English
United States
PoliticsJusticeHuman Rights ViolationsHealthRussiaRussia Ukraine WarUkraineWar
Russian Investigative CommitteeOvd-Info
Nadezhda BuyanovaAnastasia AkinshinaAlexander BastrykinOscar Cherdzhyev
- What is Dr. Nadezhda Buyanova accused of?
- Dr. Nadezhda Buyanova, a 68-year-old pediatrician, was convicted in Russia for allegedly criticizing the war in Ukraine in front of a patient. The accusation stemmed from a complaint by Anastasia Akinshina, the mother of one of Buyanova's patients.
- What law was used to convict Dr. Buyanova?
- The conviction highlights Russia's intensified crackdown on dissent related to the war in Ukraine. Authorities are actively using laws prohibiting criticism of the military to silence opponents and maintain the official narrative.
- What was the sentence given to Dr. Buyanova?
- Buyanova was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for "spreading false information" about the Russian military, a crime introduced in March 2022 to suppress dissent against the war. The prosecution's case lacked evidence of the alleged conversation, and Buyanova maintained her innocence.
- What was the reaction to Dr. Buyanova's conviction?
- The case drew significant attention in Russia, with over 6,500 people signing a petition for Buyanova's release and supporters attending court hearings. Her lawyer described the verdict as "unexpectedly harsh" and "monstrously cruel."
- How many people have been implicated in similar cases in Russia?
- Buyanova's case exemplifies the risks faced by those who express views contradicting the Kremlin's stance on the war. Over 1,000 people have been implicated in similar criminal cases since March 2022, reflecting the extent of the government's suppression of opposing voices.