The sentencing of two teenagers to hard time for graffiti and anti-war social media posts in Russia has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the crackdown on dissent in the country. Lyubov Lizunova, aged 16, received a 3.5-year sentence in a penal colony, while 19-year-old Alexander Snezhkov was sentenced to 6 years, according to the court's press service.
The teenagers were detained by federal agents in October 2022 after they were found responsible for painting "death to the regime" graffiti in the city of Chita. Following President Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has intensified efforts to suppress dissent across Russia.
Investigators accused the teenagers of engaging in "extremist activities" and "calls for terrorist activities" based on their social media posts supporting anti-war protests.
Snezhkov, speaking to Radio Free Liberty's Siberian service after his arrest, highlighted the climate of repression in Russia and expressed concern that it would only worsen. He also voiced fears of being conscripted into the ranks of the Wagner Group and being sent to Ukraine to fight, emphasizing his refusal to participate in violence.
The sentencing of Lizunova and Snezhkov reflects the harsh response of Russian authorities to dissenting voices, particularly amid heightened tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.
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