In a recent ruling, a court in Yekaterinburg has sentenced Alexander Neustroev to an additional 4.3 years of incarceration. The decision follows allegations that Neustroev voiced approval of the killings of pro-war figures during a conversation with fellow inmates at the prison where he is currently held. Prosecutors argue that his words violate Russia’s stringent laws against dissent and national security.
The case has sparked international condemnation, with human rights organizations calling the sentencing a clear example of the Russian government’s harsh stance against political dissent. Neustroev’s lawyer has stated that the accusations are fabricated, and that the trial was conducted without proper due process. The incident highlights the escalating tensions within Russia’s prison system and the government’s continued suppression of opposition voices.