Ksenia Karelina, a Russian American citizen, is facing a 15-year sentence for treason in Russia for donating $51.80 to a charity supporting Ukraine during the 2022 invasion by Russia. Karelina, who was not part of a recent prisoner swap, pleaded guilty in the hopes of a reduced sentence. Her lawyer argued that the 15-year request was too harsh given her cooperation with investigators.
Karelina emigrated to the US in 2012 and became a citizen in 2021. The charges stem from a donation to Razom, a charity that supports humanitarian projects in Ukraine. The FSB alleged that the donated funds ended up benefiting the Ukrainian army.
This case is part of a larger trend of Western and dual nationals being targeted in Russia. Yuri Malev, a Russian American, was sentenced to three and a half years for social media posts allegedly mocking a patriotic ribbon associated with World War II. Laurent Vinatier, a French national, was taken into custody for allegedly failing to declare himself as a “foreign agent.” Other Americans, including Gordon Black and Marc Fogel, are also being held on various charges.
The situation has raised concerns about the safety and rights of foreign citizens in Russia, as the country has historically used such laws to target critics. The verdict in Karelina’s case is expected on August 15, and her supporters have expressed dismay at the charges brought against her.
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