War in Ukraine: A Muscovite-elected official is in danger for ten years for criticizing Russian aggression

A Moscow court on Tuesday began hearing a city official accused of “spreading false information” after criticizing an attack in Ukraine, with serious charges that could carry him up to ten years in prison.

Alexei Korinov, 60, came to the inquest with a piece of paper that read, “I am against war.” He was arrested and imprisoned by police in Moscow on April 26. His trial began on June 1, but was immediately adjourned.

The elected official has been charged with “spreading false information” about the Russian military, a crime that was introduced in early March to silence critics of the attack in Ukraine. In this particular case, Alexei Korinov was accused of working with “a group” of Elena Kodenotskina, another Moscow deputy who left Russia. He faces up to ten years in prison.

According to the Mediazona news site, which specializes in monitoring legal cases, Alexei Korinov condemned Moscow’s “occupation” of Ukraine on March 15 during a filming meeting. During this speech, he questioned the entertainment events in his constituency, especially considering the context of the painting competition for children.

“Children are becoming orphans, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of World War II participants are being thrown into the hell of fighting in Ukraine. I hope all the efforts of civil society should be used to end the war and withdraw Russian troops from Ukrainian territory,” he said.

Amnesty International, a non-profit organization, called for his immediate release, condemning the “high-choice test” for sending “bad news.” Since February 24, dozens of people who publicly criticized the conflict have been punished in Russia. Most have been fined, but others face severe imprisonment.