Elderly Pediatrician Sentenced for Alleged Anti-War Comments Amid Intensifying Repression in Russia
A Moscow pediatrician, Nadezhda Buyanova, aged 68, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison following accusations that she made disparaging remarks about Russian soldiers during a private consultation. This has raised alarms about the escalating repression in Russia as the country continues its military campaign in Ukraine.
The case was initiated after the ex-wife of a soldier killed in Ukraine publicly condemned Buyanova for allegedly referring to her child's father as a 'legitimate target' and claiming that Russia bears responsibility for the ongoing conflict. In January, this led to charges against the pediatrician for disseminating false information under a recently implemented law aimed at muzzling dissent since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Buyanova, who has Ukrainian roots, has maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, tearfully asserting that the war was not a topic of discussion during the consultation. Her defense team argued that she was targeted because of her heritage and noted the absence of solid evidence against her—particularly highlighting the lack of audio recordings of the consultation. The prosecution's case relied heavily on the testimony of the seven-year-old boy and his mother, Anastasia Akinshina, who first brought forth her allegations in a video that gained traction on pro-Kremlin media outlets.
In the video, Akinshina expressed her determination not to allow the issue to be overlooked, stating, "I won't let them sweep it up under the carpet." As the case attracted significant attention, Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, vowed to take personal control of proceedings. This intervention highlighted a broader pattern of state pressure that has fostered an environment of fear and denunciation in Russian society, reminiscent of the oppressive atmosphere during Joseph Stalin's regime.
A concerning poll has revealed that approximately 30% of Russians are apprehensive about sharing their opinions on the war, even with friends and family, reflecting the chilling impact of severe repercussions faced by those voicing dissent.
Human rights groups have condemned the actions taken against Buyanova, with the prominent organization Memorial categorizing her as a political prisoner. In a significant show of solidarity, a group of Russian doctors released an open letter criticizing the denunciation and calling it a disgraceful act.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on anti-war sentiment in Russia, exemplified by recent harsh sentences delivered to individuals like a man sentenced to 13 years for donating a modest sum to a German charity supporting Ukraine and Ksenia Karelina, a dual citizen sentenced to 12 years for similar support.
Memorial, which is now banned in Russia, indicates that nearly 800 political prisoners are currently imprisoned, many for opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with estimates of the actual number being much higher due to the exclusion of those facing secret trials. The investigative outlet Proekt has revealed that over 116,000 activists have faced prosecution in the past six years, surpassing instances of political repression seen during the leadership of Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev.
The Buyanova case highlights the ongoing risks faced by individuals who dare to question the state narrative on Ukraine, further indicating a troubling trend toward a more authoritarian regime silencing dissent with draconian measures.
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