Prosecution requests 9-year sentence for journalist Alexander Nevzorov, charged with spreading ‘fakes’ for criticizing Ukraine invasion

The prosecution is seeking to sentence the Russian journalist Alexander Nevzorov to nine years in a penal colony, for allegedly spreading “fake news” about the Ukraine invasion.

Nevzorov has consistently criticized Putin’s government for starting the war. He has also been merciless towards Russian society, blaming it for complicity in the invasion. Like other Russians who challenge the state’s monopoly on facts about the war, Nevzorov has been charged with disinformation under the new Russian law against “fake news” about the military.

The prosecution also asks the court to ban Nevzorov from publishing online content for four years after serving his prison sentence.

Nevzorov has left Russia shortly after the start of the invasion. His website has been blocked by the Russian censor Roskomnadzor. Last April, Russia’s Justice Ministry designated Nevzorov a “foreign agent.”

The court will announce Nevzorov’s sentence in absentia, on February 1.