A Siberian court sentenced former customs officer Vitaly Alekseyev to 12 years in prison on February 9 on a charge of collaborating with the Freedom of Russia legion, which consists of Russian citizens who fight alongside Ukrainian armed forces against Moscow's invasion. Alekseyev was arrested in early September. He was accused of public calls for terrorism and taking part in a terrorist group's activities. Investigators say he collected classified data for the legion, distributed leaflets with alleged terrorist content, and planned an arson attack at the local headquarters of the ruling United Russia party. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities, click here.
Ex-Customs Officer In Siberia Gets 12 Years For Links With Russian Group Fighting For Ukraine
Editors' Picks
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
