In the temporarily occupied part of Zaporizhzhia region, people are sentenced to 15 years in prison for “espionage” and comments on social networks

In the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia region, Russian courts are passing sentences to local residents on charges of “espionage”, sabotage and even activity on social networks.

For example, 25-year-old athlete Mark Perzhinskyі was sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly preparing sabotage and blowing up military equipment. His father, 56-year-old farmer Volodymyr Perzhinskyі, received 12.5 years.

Another sentence of 14 years in prison was imposed on 64-year-old hospital guard from Melitopol Anatoly Minats. According to the investigation, he allegedly passed on information about patients and employees of the medical facility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which “could” be used for sabotage.

46-year-old Gennady Baranov, who is accused of transmitting data on the location of Russian military personnel, was also sentenced to 12 years in prison for “espionage.”

Separately, sentences were recorded for activity on social networks. In particular, a 19-year-old orphan with disabilities from Zaporizhzhia region, Ivan Trofimchuk, was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison for several comments on Telegram. Trofimchuk, in particular, allegedly wrote: “I have been living under occupation for three years and see how and what the Russians are doing,” and also allegedly commented on a photo of teenagers with a Russian flag with the word: “Shoot.”

In addition, Russian courts sentenced two pensioners from Tokmak. Svitlana Loy, 69, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, and Natalia Kozlova, 67, to 9 years for allegedly transferring funds to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Human rights activists note that a significant number of such cases may bear signs of politically motivated persecution.