Disney exec asks Putin to return home after half-sentence

«Unfortunately, I made a very foolish move that could now destroy not only my life, but also the lives of my daughter and my elderly parents in India, who depend on my income», — noted a top manager of The Walt Disney.

Consensus

The Indian Disney executive, Jugul Sudhir Daterao, was sentenced to 2.5 years in a Russian prison.
He was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in January 2026 while traveling on a road trip along Russia's Golden Ring.
Russian customs officials found cannabis-infused marzipan in his luggage.
The substance contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and weighed 0.0527 grams.
The man claims he was prescribed the substance by a doctor in the U.S. for post-surgery treatment.
He was unaware that the substance is illegal in Russia.
He has a 15-year-old daughter living in the United States.
He fears losing his green card and source of income if he remains in Russia beyond one year.
He has appealed to President Vladimir Putin for early release after serving half of his sentence.
He claims he cannot qualify for early release due to lack of legal status in Russia.
He states that the only option to return home after half the sentence is to seek a reduction of his sentence through appeal in the Moscow Oblast Court.
He acknowledges his mistake and accepts responsibility, requesting only the chance to return home and live responsibly.

Points of divergence

The letter was written in a Moscow pre-trial detention center and signed by the head of the facility. — fontanka
The letter was published by RTVI on August 18. — fontanka

Coverage (2 sources)

Disney top manager convicted for drug marshmallow asked Putin to return home for daughter and green card — Фонтанка
Manager from Disney, sentenced in Russia for jam with hemp, appealed to Putin — Коммерсантъ

Disney exec asks Putin to return home after half-sentence

Consensus

Points of divergence

Coverage (2 sources)

Key entities

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