A Russian street musician was found guilty on Thursday of ”discrediting” the Russian army after performing songs critical of the Kremlin’s military actions in ukraine, state news agency TASS reported. Yulia Tsvetkova,22,received a suspended sentence and is barred from publishing content online,according too the report.
The case highlights the intensifying crackdown on dissent in Russia following the invasion of ukraine,were even subtle criticism of the military can lead to severe penalties. Tsvetkova’s conviction underscores the risks faced by artists and individuals expressing anti-war sentiments within the country, as authorities broaden the scope of laws restricting speech deemed harmful to the armed forces.
Tsvetkova was accused of publicly expressing views aimed at discrediting the use of Russia’s armed forces, a crime punishable by up to three years in prison under legislation passed shortly after the start of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. the musician, who performed in public spaces and posted videos online, played songs containing anti-war lyrics and criticized the government’s actions.
The court in St. Petersburg found Tsvetkova guilty and sentenced her to a suspended sentence of two years, TASS reported. She is also prohibited from publishing content online. Tsvetkova had previously been fined for similar offenses, and this conviction represents an escalation of the legal pressure against her.
The “discrediting” law has been widely used to silence opposition voices and suppress self-reliant reporting on the war in Ukraine. Numerous journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens have faced fines, arrests, and imprisonment for expressing views that diverge from the official Kremlin narrative. Human rights groups have condemned the law as a violation of freedom of speech and expression.