Russian Journalist Mikhail Zygar Sentenced to 8.5 Years in Prison in Absentia

A Moscow court convicted journalist Mikhail Zygar in absentia for distributing false information about the Russian army, sentencing him to 8.5 years in prison. The charges relate to an Instagram post from April 2022 about alleged war crimes in Bucha. Zygar, now designated a 'foreign agent,' left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.

A Moscow court sentenced journalist Mikhail Zygar to 8-1/2 years in prison in absentia for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military.

The charges are linked to an April 2022 Instagram post alleging war crimes by Russian forces in Bucha, claims that both Kyiv and Western entities support but the Kremlin dismisses as fabricated.

Zygar, formerly the editor-in-chief of Dozhd, now lives abroad and has been labeled a 'foreign agent' by Russian authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)