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
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers are undefeated this season2024-05-21Chris Hemsworth keeps it casual as he and his wife Elsa Pataky jet out of Australia for his much
Chris Hemsworth cut a laidback figure as he jetted out of Sydney Airport with his wife Elsa Pataky o2024-05-21Bo Naylor hits his 1st career grand slam, Guardians beat Angels 7
CLEVELAND (AP) — Bo Naylor hit his first career grand slam, Austin Hedges had his first homer since2024-05-21Luciano Acosta scores for 3rd consecutive game, Cincinnati beats Orlando City 1
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Luciano Acosta scored a goal for the third consecutive game and Roman Celentano2024-05-21A warrant for Netanyahu’s arrest was requested. But no decision was made about whether to issue it
CLAIM: The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin2024-05-21Nikola Petkovic scores first MLS goal to help Charlotte beat Timbers 2
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Nikola Petkovic scored his first MLS goal, Enzo Copetti also scored and FC Ch2024-05-21
atest comment