Russian Man Faces High Treason Trial Amid Rising Espionage Cases

Nikita Zhuravel, serving a 3.5-year sentence for burning a Quran, now faces high treason charges in Russia. Accused of filming military equipment for Ukraine, he could face a life sentence. Rights groups label him a political prisoner, highlighting increased treason cases under Putin's regime.

Nikita Zhuravel, already serving a 3.5-year sentence for publicly burning a Quran, faced new charges of high treason at the Volgograd District Court for allegedly sending a video of Russian military equipment to Ukraine's security services. If convicted in this latest trial, Zhuravel could face a life sentence.

This case is part of a broader increase in treason and espionage charges since the beginning of Russia's military engagement in Ukraine. Allegations have involved various individuals, including Kremlin critics and independent journalists, in what rights groups decry as politically motivated persecutions.

During his initial custody, Zhuravel was reportedly assaulted by the teenage son of Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, an incident publicly praised by Kadyrov, further spotlighting the charged political atmosphere. Federal authorities have largely remained silent on the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)