A Warning Shot Across the Bow of Free Speech The sentencing of Lev Shlosberg, a senior member of the Yabloko party in Russia, to 11 years and one month in prison for opposing the war in Ukraine sends shockwaves through any country that values democratic ideals.
The charges against him starkly illustrate the dangers of conflating dissent with disloyalty.
In Russia, where "discrediting" the military has become a catch all excuse to silence opponents, Shlosberg's conviction sets a disturbing precedent.