Russian composer Prokhor Protasov, the author of the anthem of the city of Kirov, was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison for his posts about alleged atrocities committed by Russian troops during the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Protasov, who is currently studying at a university in Canada, told RFE/RL after the court in Kirov handed down his sentence on February 22 that he does not plan to return to Russia in the near future. The Pervomaisky district court found the composer guilty of "distributing fake news about Russian armed forces." To read the original story by RFE/RL's Idel.Realities, click here.
Russian Composer Sentenced In Absentia To Prison For Posts About Ukraine War
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