Russian Man Faces Treason Charges for Espionage

Nikita Zhuravel, a Russian man already serving a 3.5-year sentence for burning a Quran, is on trial for high treason, accused of sending a video of military equipment to Ukraine's security services. The Volgograd District Court proceedings come amid a surge in espionage cases linked to Russia's military involvement in Ukraine since February 2022, with many alleging politically motivated prosecutions. Rights activists label Zhuravel a political prisoner, citing his reported mistreatment in custody, including an incident where he was beaten by the son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who later praised the act publicly. If convicted, Zhuravel faces a potential life sentence. The legal framework around treason in Russia has been broadened, now encompassing vague definitions of