Life Sentence in Car Bombing of Nationalist Writer Zakhar Prilepin

A Russian court sentenced Alexander Permyakov to life in prison for a May 2023 car bombing that severely wounded nationalist writer Zakhar Prilepin and killed his driver. The bombing was linked to Ukraine's security services. The incident highlights ongoing political violence against pro-Russian figures since 2022.

A Russian court sentenced Alexander Permyakov to life imprisonment on Monday for his involvement in a car bombing that severely injured nationalist writer Zakhar Prilepin in May 2023.

Prosecutors allege that the bombing in the Nizhny Novogorod region was orchestrated by Ukraine's security services. The explosion left Prilepin seriously injured while his driver died as a result.

Permyakov, hailing from Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, previously fought with Russian-backed separatists. The case underscores the dangerous climate for nationalist figures in Russia, with high-profile deaths including journalist Darya Dugina and military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky linked to similar politically motivated attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)