A Moscow court jailed a Russian university student for 10 days due to his Wi-Fi network’s pro-Ukraine name, “Slava Ukraini” or “Glory to Ukraine.”
The sentence aligns with the broader crackdown on anti-war sentiment in Russia, where over 260 individuals are imprisoned for their dissent. Oleg Tarasov, a student from Moscow State University, faced charges for his digital tribute amid the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the growing intolerance for the opposition.
The court also accused him of spreading propaganda and displaying Nazi symbols, leading to the seizure of his router.
The human rights group OVD-Info reports that Russia has detained over 20,000 citizens for anti-war protests. The situation has escalated following the death of Alexey Navalny, a prominent Kremlin critic, in a penal colony. Despite the significant public and international outcry, Russian media largely disregarded Navalny’s death, with the state detaining many who paid their respects.
In defiance of the increasing repression and amidst a heavy police presence, mourners gathered to honour Navalny’s memory with chants against Putin and the war. Authorities detained at least 103 individuals across 20 cities during these memorials.
The upcoming tightly controlled election, which excludes the only anti-war candidate, is expected to secure Putin’s rule into the 2030s, further entrenching his power amidst widespread dissent.
