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. |
Tips to make a house safe and accessible for older adultsAppeals court upholds Steve Bannon's contempt of Congress convictionMariners starter Bryan Woo leaves in 5th inning with arm tightness but expected to make next startSomalia wants to terminate the UN political mission assisting peace efforts in the countryEurovision 2024 odds: Who are the favourites to win this year's Eurovision Song Contest?A parliamentary election runoff puts hardEurovision 2024 odds: Who are the favourites to win this year's Eurovision Song Contest?Flash floods kill hundreds and injure many others in Afghanistan, Taliban saysThe United Auto Workers faces a key test in the South with upcoming vote at Alabama Mercedes plantUS special operations, learning from war in Ukraine, have to do more with less