Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Russian court on Monday opened the trial of a theater director and a playwright accused of advocating terrorism in a play, the latest step in an unrelenting crackdown on dissent in Russia that has reached new heights since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.
Zhenya Berkovich, a prominent independent theater director, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk have been jailed for over a year. Authorities claim their play “Finist, the Brave Falcon” justifies terrorism, which is a criminal offense in Russia punishable by up to seven years in prison. Berkovich and Petriychuk have both repeatedly rejected the accusations against them.
Berkovich told the court on Monday that she staged the play in order to prevent terrorism, and Petriychuk echoed her sentiment, saying that she wrote it in order to prevent events like those depicted in the play.
Related articles
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin committed Monday to keeping U.S. weapons moving to2024-05-21Thousands protest in Georgia over the weekend against 'Russia
TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgia’s parliament green-lit a final vote on a proposed law that critics s2024-05-21Missed the Northern Lights? See the light show, in photos
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight, with sightin2024-05-21Lottie Tomlinson exudes elegance in a sweeping red floor
Lottie Tomlinson exuded elegance as she arrived at the 2024 British Academy Television Awards at Lon2024-05-21Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Six people were killed and dozens arrested following attacks on the residence2024-05-21BAFTA TV Awards 2024: Tess Daly exudes glamour in an off
Tess Daly exuded glamour in an off-the-shoulder white gown as she cosied up to her dapper husband Ve2024-05-21
atest comment