The Russian authorities opened 70 cases [6] in 2023 for "state treason" or "secret cooperation with a foreign state or organization," according to a report from the human rights organization Perviy Otdel, issued Dec. 21. Out of the 70 new cases initiated in 2023, in addition to 28 pending from previous years, courts found defendants guilty in 37 cases, marking an historical high. Some cases progressed swiftly from initiation to final judgment, spanning a mere month. Often, the Federal Security Service (FSB) conducted online sting operations, particularly targetting individuals opposing the war in Ukraine. Those charged under the treason statute, Article 275 [7] of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, may face from 12 years to life imprisonment.
From Jurist [9], Dec. 23. Used with permission.
See our last reports on the crackdown on dissent [10] in Russia.
