Russia Opposition Leader Jailed for 11 Years Over Anti-War Posts
Was Shlosberg's conviction a political hit against dissent or a justified response to foreign-backed subversion?
Above: Lev Shlosberg at a court session in Pskov, Russia on Aug. 17. Image credit: Olga Maltseva/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Shlosberg's conviction is a textbook political hit job — the prosecution pursued him relentlessly simply for taking part in an anti-war debate, and the fake news charge stemmed from a post he shared before the law even existed. The judge steamrolled his defense team at every turn, and the entire case was built to punish dissent, not establish truth.
Pro-Russia narrative
While the foreign media is sure to misrepresent this case to score cheap points against Russia, the facts of this broader case are clear. Yabloko received money from abroad, including donors from the U.S., and their pattern of behavior suggests real subversion; the West would not countenance a political party receiving money from Russian nationals.
