Russia's treason accusation rate up to 73% for returnees
The proportion of Russians accused of treason after returning to Russia has risen from 44% to 73%, according to a new report by the Memorial project's 'Support for Political Prisoners' initiative, with increased prison sentences and many detained at border crossings.
Consensus
- The proportion of Russians accused of treason after returning from abroad has increased from 44% to approximately 73%.
- The data comes from a new review by the Memorial project's 'Support for Political PrisonERS' initiative.
- Among the 22 individuals in the new review who have been charged, 16 are accused of treason.
- Eleven of the individuals in the new review have already been convicted, with an average sentence of 11 years and 6 months.
- The average sentence in the previous review was less than 9 years.
- About half of the individuals in the new review—11 out of 24—were detained at border crossings, including airports and land checkpoints.
- Reasons for prosecution include money transfers to Ukraine, donations to organizations labeled extremist or terrorist by Russian authorities, online publications, and alleged contacts with Ukrainians.
- The increase in treason charges refers specifically to politically motivated cases selected by human rights advocates, not all Russians returning from abroad.
Points of divergence
- 53% of Russians support lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 12 for certain serious crimes, based on a VCIOM poll. — tg_chertamedia
- 53% of respondents support reducing the age of criminal responsibility for serious crimes to 12, with current responsibility starting at 14 for such crimes. — tg_moscowmap
- The article discusses the broader debate on whether living in Russia constitutes an international crime and whether all Russians can be held accountable for the war, but does not provide specific data or claims about treason charges or the Memorial report. — meduza
Coverage (5 sources)
- From 44 to 73% share of Russians accused of treason grew, who started being pursued after returning to the RF — Радио Свобода
- From 44 to 73% share of Russians accused of treason grew, who started being pursued after returning to the RF — The Insider
- More than half of Russians supported criminal liability from 12 years for certain serious crimes — Черта
- More than half of Russians supported lowering the age of criminal responsibility for serious crimes to 12 years — Новости Москвы
- Is living in Russia an international crime? And can all Russians be held accountable for the war? We seriously analyze one of the main internet discussions of the week — Meduza