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.
Gen Z protests swept 34 German cities on Saturday (31 October) over education, living costs and military service proposals. Violence erupted in Fra...
Iran designated Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organisations on Sunday, (1 November), and classified the country's f...
Since 2021, only 9 per cent of $8 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan can be traced beyond initial recipients in public re...
The U.S. has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth an estimated $2.1 billion, but Kyiv could face years of delays before receiving the weapons it urgently needs to defend against intensifying Russian attacks.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered Iran's armed forces to respond to any threat immediately and without geographical limits in statements posted to social media platforms on Saturday (31 October).
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
A Chinese-made AI chip has matched Nvidia’s H200 in tests conducted by its developer, marking a potential breakthrough in China’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology.
A hacking group linked to North Korea is widely believed to be behind the theft of $6.3 billion from cryptocurrency giant Binance, a cyberattack that experts describe as the largest cryptocurrency heist on record.
Since 2021, only 9 per cent of $8 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan can be traced beyond initial recipients in public records, a Kabul Institute report released on 22 October said. The United Nations says its oversight systems ensure accountability.
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan surged by 330 per cent in 2026 despite a four-year ban, the United Nations said on Thursday. Afghan authorities disputed the findings, while Japan urged continued support for farmers seeking alternative livelihoods.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Central Asia could gain up to $640 million a year from closer energy cooperation, but strained electricity grids threaten to limit those gains, with Kazakhstan particularly exposed to regional power shortages and growing pressure on its network.
Georgia and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to boost trade, strengthen transport links between Asia and Europe and resolve a longstanding border dispute, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment