The Russian authorities are seeking a prison sentence of nearly three years for a veteran human rights advocate who criticized the war in Ukraine. Oleg Orlov, 70, faces charges of 'repeatedly discrediting' the Russian army and could be sentenced to two years and 11 months in prison. This retrial comes after Orlov was initially fined for posting an article on Facebook denouncing the invasion of Ukraine.
Orlov, co-chairman of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial, has maintained that the case against him is politically motivated. In a move highlighting the Russian government's intolerance for criticism of its actions in Ukraine, the prosecution has appealed the initial fine, seeking a harsher punishment.
