Yanina Sokolova, a Ukrainian journalist who is well-known for her criticism of Russia’s ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, has been placed to Russia’s Interior Ministry’s wanted list on an unexplained accusation. Sokolova is well-known for her condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On August 7, Sokolova’s name was added to the wanted list maintained by the Ministry. In March, her name appeared on Russia’s list of those considered to be terrorists or activists. In addition to being the host of the Rendezvous program on Ukraine’s Fifth television station, Sokolova is also the proprietor of a successful channel on YouTube. In addition to having overcome cancer herself, Sokolova is well-known for her work as an activist for cancer sufferers through the Ya, Nina project.
Drug smuggling and possession allegations against Brittney Griner were upheld by a Russian court. After a month-long trial and nearly six months since the basketball star was caught at an airport near Moscow with cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage, the result is as expected. Griner was given a nine-year prison term by the judge. Her potential prison time was 10 years, but the Russian prosecution asked for only nine years and six months because of the severity of the crime she was accused of committing.
Given that Russian criminal courts reportedly have a 99% conviction rate, the verdict was not unexpected. It now seems that political forces will decide Griner’s ultimate fate. Public pressure has led to efforts by the Biden administration to engage with Russia for her and another American prisoner Paul Whelan’s release. Russia has stated that any prospective arrangement, including a rumoured prisoner swap, in which the U.S. would free renowned Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, would have to wait until after the court’s judgment.
A statement issued by the White House shortly after the verdict noted that Griner’s sentence was “one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney.” Adding, “I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” he called the situation “unacceptable.” To get Brittney and Paul Whelan returned home securely as soon as possible, my administration will continue to work hard and explore every available option.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement reiterating this commitment, saying the court’s decision “puts a spotlight on our significant concerns with Russia’s legal system and the Russian government’s use of wrongful detentions to advance its own agenda, using individuals as political pawns.” “Russia, and any country engaging in wrongful detention, represents a threat to the safety of everyone travelling, working, or living abroad,” Blinken concluded.
The United States is strongly against this policy worldwide. Lindsay Kagawa Colas, who represents Griner, expressed gratitude to the United States on Twitter for its efforts to achieve Griner’s release. We have known all along that Brittney is being exploited as a political pawn, and today’s sentencing of Brittney Griner was severe by Russian judicial norms and proves that,” Colas added.
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