(Xeeis) — Marina Ovsyannikova, a Russian journalist who conducted a bold protest against the Ukraine war during a live broadcast on state-run television, has been handed an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence in absentia by a Russian court.
Ovsyannikova was convicted of “publicly disseminating knowingly false information about the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,” according to a statement from Moscow’s district court press service on Telegram, released on Wednesday.
In an interview following the court’s decision, Ovsyannikova characterized her sentencing as politically motivated. She remarked, “This is simply a case of fake justice because, as you know, in Russia, we lack independent courts; Putin has eliminated all independent judicial institutions.”
Ovsyannikova revealed that her own relatives in Russia had turned against her, even testifying against her in court. She said, “They provided testimony against me, and I was taken aback when I learned of it. They reside in a different information bubble. When you are in Russia, your perspective changes. My Russian relatives believe that Russia is besieged by enemies. They place their trust in Putin and view me as a traitor.”
She voiced deep concern about Russia’s future, declaring, “If I were to return to Russia, I would be immediately imprisoned. I am deeply concerned about the future of my homeland and aspire to work for a better future.”
Ovsyannikova managed to escape house arrest with her daughter last year and is presently residing in Paris, as verified by her assistant.
In a previous interview in February, Ovsyannikova recounted her journey from Russia to France with her 11-year-old daughter. The 44-year-old journalist gained international recognition last year when, as an editor at Russia’s state-controlled Channel One television station, she stood behind an anchor and displayed a sign that read “No War” during a live broadcast.