• A Moscow military court has convicted Sergei Udaltsov, the coordinator of the 'Left Front' movement, sentencing him to six years in a penal colony.
  • The charges against Udaltsov stemmed from allegations that he justified terrorism through his actions.
  • Specifically, the prosecution argued that two years prior, Udaltsov expressed support on social media for members of a Marxist group based in Ufa.
  • These individuals were recently convicted for plotting the violent seizure of power.

Quick Summary

A Moscow military court has sentenced Sergei Udaltsov to six years in a penal colony. The court found the coordinator of the 'Left Front' guilty of justifying terrorism.

The charges were based on social media activity from two years ago. Udaltsov allegedly supported members of a Marxist group in Ufa who were recently sentenced for plotting a violent takeover of power. Udaltsov rejected the charges and declared a 'deadly hunger strike' in court.

Court Verdict and Sentence

The Military Court in Moscow delivered the verdict against opposition figure Sergei Udaltsov. He received a sentence of six years in a penal colony.

The legal proceedings focused on charges related to the justification of terrorism. The court's decision was based on specific actions attributed to the defendant.

Udaltsov serves as the coordinator for the 'Left Front' organization. The sentencing concludes a legal process that has drawn attention to political activism in the region.

deadly hunger strike
Sergei Udaltsov

Nature of the Charges

The prosecution's case relied on events that occurred two years prior to the verdict. The charges allege that Udaltsov utilized social media to voice support for specific individuals.

These individuals were members of a Marxist circle located in Ufa. Recently, this group faced conviction for their own alleged criminal activities.

The Ufa group was found guilty of preparing for the violent seizure of power. The prosecution linked Udaltsov's online commentary to these actions, framing it as justification for their plot.

Defendant's Reaction

Sergei Udaltsov maintained his innocence throughout the trial. He explicitly stated that he did not admit to the guilt presented by the prosecution.

Following the announcement of the six-year sentence, Udaltsov made a severe declaration. He announced in the courtroom that he intends to start a "deadly hunger strike".

This statement underscores the intensity of his opposition to the court's findings. It signals a potential escalation in his response to the incarceration.

Context and Implications

The case connects two distinct legal events separated by time. The first event involves Udaltsov's social media posts two years ago; the second involves the recent conviction of the Ufa group.

The court viewed the social media support as a form of justification for the violent plans later uncovered in Ufa. This legal strategy links online rhetoric with physical criminal conspiracies.

The verdict adds to the ongoing narrative regarding political opposition in Moscow. It demonstrates the legal risks associated with expressing solidarity with other activist groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Sergei Udaltsov sentenced for?

Sergei Udaltsov was sentenced to six years in a penal colony for justifying terrorism. The charges were based on his social media support for a Marxist group in Ufa.

How did Udaltsov react to the verdict?

Udaltsov did not admit guilt. He announced in court that he would begin a 'deadly hunger strike'.