Artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko has been handed a seven-year prison sentence by a Russian court for her act of defiance against the war in Ukraine. Skochilenko was arrested in April 2022 in St. Petersburg and charged with spreading false information about the military.

The charges against Skochilenko stem from her decision to replace supermarket price tags with antiwar slogans. The slogans, which criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, highlighted the bombing of an arts school and the involvement of Russian conscripts. Skochilenko admitted to swapping the price tags but rejected the accusation of knowingly spreading false information. She argued that her intention was to stop the fighting and promote peace.

This case is part of a wider crackdown on free speech in Russia following the adoption of a new law that criminalizes any public expression deviating from the official Kremlin line on the war. The law has been used to target opposition politicians, human rights activists, and ordinary citizens critical of the government.

Skochilenko’s supporters argue that the case against her is unjust. Her lawyer emphasizes her peaceful intentions and empathy for others. Skochilenko has been held in custody for nearly 19 months before her trial, which will result in a reduction of her overall sentence. However, concerns have been raised about her health deteriorating while in custody, as she suffers from various medical conditions. There are also worries about her access to medical care if she is transferred to a remote penal colony.

The case has gained international attention, with Russian human rights group Memorial declaring Skochilenko a political prisoner. According to OVD-Info, a prominent rights group, thousands of Russians have been detained for expressing antiwar sentiments since the conflict began, and many individuals have received lengthy prison terms.

The conviction and sentencing of Sasha Skochilenko highlight the ongoing suppression of free speech in Russia and the government’s intolerance of dissenting viewpoints. As the international community watches, concerns continue to grow about the treatment of individuals who dare to speak out against the government’s actions. Skochilenko’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those fighting for basic freedoms in an increasingly authoritarian regime.