Usually, even in cases tried in camera, the hearing of the verdict is announced in advance by the courts.
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Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for writing about Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, a court in Kazan, Tatarstan, a republic in central Russia, announced on Monday, July 22. Her employer denounced a trial “secret” and an “parody of justice”.
Usually, even in cases that are heard behind closed doors, the court announces the verdict in advance. That was not the case in this case, according to the journalist’s relatives, as Russia has engaged in an all-out crackdown on critics of the Kremlin and its offensive in Ukraine.
The decision has angered Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a U.S.-funded outlet since the Cold War era and now based in Prague, Czech Republic. “This secret trial and conviction is a travesty of justice. The only just conclusion would be Alsou’s immediate release,” reacted Stephen Capus, president of RFR/RL.
