Russian court sentences exiled writer Boris Akunin to 14 years, he denies charges

Russian writer Boris Akunin (born Grigory Chkhartishvili), who has been designated a "foreign agent" and added to Russia's register of terrorists and extremists, has been sentenced in absentia to 14 years in prison. He was found guilty of “aiding and justifying terrorism”.

"The court sentences Grigory Chkhartishvili to 14 years, with the first four years to be served in prison and the remainder in a high-security penal colony, along with a fine of 600,000 rubles (approximately $7,690) and a four-year ban on administering internet sites," the judge announced, as cited by tass.com.

The exiled writer was found guilty of aiding terrorist activities, publicly justifying terrorism online, and failing to comply with Russia’s foreign agents law.

The writer was placed on the international wanted list.

Akunin responded sarcastically to the verdict on Telegram, joking that his next post would appear in 2043, after serving his 14-year sentence and completing a four-year ban on managing internet pages.

"I might return earlier if an amnesty is declared following President (Vladimir) Putin’s hypothetical seventh term, promising to come back cheerful, 87 years old, and fully re-educated," he added.

Chkhartishvili's lawyer said the writer denies all charges. His court-appointed defender, Oleg Dubinin, is expected to appeal the verdict and request that all charges be dismissed.

The exiled writer responded to the verdict on his Telegram account. “I am not merely refusing to admit guilt—I do not recognize the legitimacy of this trial. I did not authorize any lawyer to represent me in this so-called proceeding, and I do not, in any way, participate in this farce.”

According to the Russian Investigative Committee's press service, Chkhartishvili—who holds both Russian and UK citizenship—was accused of calling for the forcible overthrow of Russia’s constitutional order and of justifying terrorist activities by Ukraine. 

Particularly, the charge of aiding terrorism stems from a conversation between Akunin and the well-known Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexus, during which the writer encouraged Russian servicemen to defect and fight for Ukraine. He also referred to a Ukrainian attack on the Crimean Bridge as a “clear and direct way” to make the realities of war felt by “stupid people.”

The charge of justifying terrorism was based on an online post in which Akunin stated his support for “revolution, as there is no other way to get rid of a dictatorship.”

The third and final charge concerned at least 33 Telegram posts that allegedly lacked the legally required disclaimer that the content from a designated “foreign agent,” in accordance with Russian law.

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