A former Russian software developer has been sentenced to 15 years in maximum security prison for donating $500 to a Ukrainian defense fund, according to a report by East2West. The individual, known as Sergei Irin, was reportedly arrested on treason charges and held in a pretrial detention center for his act of defiance.
The case highlights the growing crackdown by Russian authorities on individuals who show support for Ukrainian defense efforts. Irin, who at one point worked for Russian tech giant Yandex, was reportedly seen in court holding a sign that read, ‘Putin is a ‘s—head.’ This act of defiance, combined with the $500 donation to the Ukrainian defense fund, was cited as the reason for his sentencing.
According to the report, Irin was arrested in February 2022, shortly after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He was accused of treason and faced a maximum sentence of 15 years in a maximum-security prison. The court also imposed a roughly $62,000 fine on Irin, in addition to the prison sentence. It is unclear which maximum-security prison he will be sent to carry out the sentence.
The case has drawn international attention, with some critics pointing out that the charges against Irin appear to be politically motivated. His case is part of a broader pattern of repression in Russia, where dissenters who show support for Ukraine are being targeted. The Russian government has been cracking down extensively on anyone who supports Ukraine’s defense efforts, regardless of their background or level of involvement.
This case underscores the severe penalties that can be imposed on individuals who support Ukrainian defense efforts in Russia. As the war continues, such actions are becoming increasingly risky, and the Russian government appears to be taking a hard line on anyone who challenges its policies.