Foreigner Facing Trial for Alleged Treason in Russian Courts
In January, ballet dancer Ksenia Karelina, of Russian-American descent, found herself handcuffed in Russia, accused of backing the Ukrainian military. Currently undergoing trial in Yekaterinburg, she faces a charge stemming from a $50 donation (approximately 47 Euro) made in 2022 to a Ukrainian group advocating for the Ukrainian army. If found guilty, she could spend up to 20 years in prison.
During her courtroom appearance, as documented by a court-released video, Karelina flashed a grin at the press as she took her seat in the defendant's dock. As per typical proceedings of such trials, the main session was held in secrecy. The following hearing has been scheduled for August 7.
Karelina, who resides and works in Los Angeles, was nabbed towards the end of January during a visit to Yekaterinburg. The US government alleges that Moscow has been arresting American citizens baselessly, with the intention of utilizing them as bargaining chips for the release of Russians being detained overseas. Among the other US citizens being held in Russia are journalist Evan Gershkovich, Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, and former US soldier Paul Whelan.
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In the midst of Karelina's trial, concerns about justice processes in Russia have been raised, given the alleged severity of her supposed crime and the potential 20-year sentence. Moreover, this case adds to the growing list of US citizens facing charges in Moscow, including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former US soldier Paul Whelan.
