Trial in Russia
18-year-old has to answer for criticizing the army
November 28, 2023, 6:52 a.m
Maxim Lypkan is arrested for sharing information about a Russian military attack on a maternity ward in Ukraine. The 18-year-old is being tried for allegedly spreading “false information about the Russian army.” There is a risk of a long prison sentence.
A trial has begun in Russia against an 18-year-old for spreading “false information” about the Russian military. The hearing in the town of Odintsovo near Moscow took place behind closed doors, and the defendant Maxim Lypkan was not present. If convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison. He is one of the latest people to be arrested and charged with violating Russia’s strict censorship laws on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
According to a lawyer for Lypkan, the 18-year-old is accused of spreading “false information about the Russian army.” He is said to have published information on Telegram and YouTube about a maternity ward in Ukraine that Lypkan said was bombed by the Russian military. Lypkan was arrested in February shortly after his 18th birthday after announcing his intention to organize a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The 18-year-old was taken to a psychiatric clinic in Chekhov, near the Russian capital, on Friday at the request of the court. According to the lawyer, the trial is taking place behind closed doors because an expert report has declared him partially incompetent.
The defense says it hopes the 18-year-old will be released because of his diagnosis, which has not been disclosed. Before the hearing, his mother said she was “very worried about Maxim.” Human rights group Memorial described Lypkan as a “political prisoner” and called for his immediate release. The next court date is scheduled for Wednesday.
Authorities in Russia have arrested, detained and fined thousands of people for speaking out against Russian actions in Ukraine. Long prison sentences were imposed in various cases.