Exiled Russian writer Boris Akunin, once a celebrated figure in Soviet intelligence circles, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by a military court in absentia. The ruling stems from his alleged involvement in justifying terrorism, facilitating terrorist activity, and violating Russia’s ‘foreign agent’ laws. Akunin, known for his historical novels and espionage-themed fiction, has long been a vocal critic of the Russian government’s policies. The verdict highlights the Kremlin’s growing intolerance for dissent and its willingness to use the legal system as a tool for political repression.
This case has drawn widespread international condemnation, with human rights organizations and foreign governments expressing concern over the treatment of dissidents. Akunin’s prosecution is seen as part of a broader pattern of cracking down on perceived enemies of the state, including journalists, activists, and former intelligence officers. The foreign agent law, which requires non-governmental organizations to disclose foreign funding, has been widely criticized for being used to target critics of the government. Despite his absence from the proceedings, Akun, who is in exile in Turkey, faces the possibility of extradition. The case also raises questions about the fairness of military tribunals in handling political crimes and the broader implications for freedom of expression in Russia.