Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Russian court on Monday opened the trial of a theater director and a playwright accused of advocating terrorism in a play, the latest step in an unrelenting crackdown on dissent in Russia that has reached new heights since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine.
Zhenya Berkovich, a prominent independent theater director, and playwright Svetlana Petriychuk have been jailed for over a year. Authorities claim their play “Finist, the Brave Falcon” justifies terrorism, which is a criminal offense in Russia punishable by up to seven years in prison. Berkovich and Petriychuk have both repeatedly rejected the accusations against them.
Berkovich told the court on Monday that she staged the play in order to prevent terrorism, and Petriychuk echoed her sentiment, saying that she wrote it in order to prevent events like those depicted in the play.
Related articles
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
JERUSALEM (AP) — The helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreig2024-05-21Lawyers discuss role classified documents may play in bribery case against US Rep Cuellar of Texas
HOUSTON (AP) — Prosecutors and defense attorneys on Thursday discussed whether classified documents2024-05-21Putin focuses on trade and cultural exchanges in Harbin, China, after reaffirming ties with Xi
BEIJING (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on trade and cultural exchanges Friday durin2024-05-21Jake Paul and Mike Tyson trade insults as they hype planned summer fight in Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jake Paul and Mike Tyson traded insults and expletives as they previewed the2024-05-21NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
DENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards overcame a slow start and the Timberwolves roared back from a 20-point2024-05-21Funeral set for Roger Fortson, the Black US Air Force member killed in his home by Florida deputy
STONECREST, Ga. (AP) — A funeral will be held Friday for a Black U.S. Air Force senior airman who wa2024-05-21
atest comment