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
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
A university boss has been praised after telling a pro-Gaza student mob he will not meet them until2024-05-21Samoa citizenship bill passes first hurdle in Parliament with help of ACT and NZ First
By Audrey Young of2024-05-21US Treasury Secretary explains her 'magic mushroom' experience in China
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-05-21Tens of thousands of Israelis rally in Tel Aviv demanding Gaza hostage deal
Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attacks by Hamas milit2024-05-21The government wants to buy their flood
HOUSTON (AP) — After the floodwaters earlier this month just about swallowed two of the six homes th2024-05-21Ministers announce advisory group for fast
Shane Jones and Chris Bishop announced the appointments today. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas2024-05-21
atest comment