A Russian military court has sentenced theater director Anastasia Berezhinskaya to eight years in prison for anti-war statements that included calls to harm President Vladimir Putin, according to the independent news outlet Mediazona.
Berezhinskaya, 43, faced charges of “discrediting” the Russian military, spreading “false information,” and “justifying terrorism” for a series of posts on the social network Vkontakte. In her posts, she accused Russian soldiers of killing civilians and destroying cities in the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Regarding Putin, she wrote, “Destroy that bastard. Wipe him off the face of the Earth.”
In court, Berezhinskaya admitted partial guilt but denied that her words about Putin were meant as an actual threat against him, Mediazona reported.
Russia has denied targeting civilians throughout the conflict, which Moscow calls a “special military operation.”
Before her sentencing, Berezhinskaya told the court, “Your honor, I have nothing to say, nothing to add. I will accept any decision you make.”
The 2nd Western District Military Court in Moscow ultimately sentenced her to eight years in prison, despite the prosecution’s request for a 10-year term.
Mediazona noted that some of her Vkontakte posts had low visibility, with views ranging from 60 to 130 as of Thursday. Russia has since blocked access to her account.
Berezhinskaya, who has two children aged eight and 10, has reportedly been diagnosed with a personality disorder. However, it was deemed not serious enough to require treatment or to prevent her from standing trial.
