Russian prosecutor seeks 7 years in jail for councillor over Ukraine criticism

MOSCOW: A Russian prosecutor on Thursday requested a seven-year prison term for a Moscow city councillor accused of criticising Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.

Alexei Gorinov, a 60-year-old lawyer by training, was arrested in late April for spreading “knowingly false information” about the Russian army and is now on trial.

Gorinov is the first elected member of the opposition to face jail for criticising Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.

The charges come under new legislation that allows prison time for discrediting the Russian military and is part of Moscow’s increasing efforts to snuff out the last vestiges of dissent.

Speaking in Moscow’s Meshchansky District Court, the prosecutor accused Gorinov of undermining the “authority of the armed forces” and being guided by “political hatred,” an AFP journalist said.

Gorinov spoke up against Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine during a work meeting in March that was recorded on video and is available on YouTube.

During his speech, he questioned plans for an art competition for children in his constituency while “every day children are dying” in Ukraine.

On Thursday, he once again spoke out against what the Kremlin has termed a “special military operation”.

“No matter what you call it, war is the dirtiest, vilest thing there is,” he said.

“Why are many of my compatriots feeling ashamed and guilty? Why did so many leave?” he said, referring to an exodus of liberal-minded Russians from the country.

Several dozen people came out to support Gorinov, including his wife and sister.

Dmitry Fyodorov, a 50-year-old programmer, said that the charges against Gorinov were “unlawful” and described him as a “kind man and a good lawyer”.

Russian society is reeling from a historic crackdown on dissent which has intensified since President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine on February 24.

Criticism of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine has essentially been banned in the country.

In March, Russia passed into law prison sentences of up to 15 years for spreading false information aimed at discrediting its military forces.

On Wednesday, parliament introduced harsh prison terms for calls to act against national security and criminal liability for maintaining “confidential” cooperation with foreigners.