A Moscow court has sentenced Valeria Ratnikova, a journalist for the “Dozhd” (Rain) TV channel, in absentia to 7.5 years in prison. She was found guilty of disseminating “fake news” regarding the actions of the Russian armed forces during the special military operation in Ukraine. The Golovinsky Court announced its decision on Tuesday, March 24, also imposing a three-year ban on Ratnikova from administering online pages.
A criminal case against the journalist was initiated in July of last year. Several months later, Ratnikova was placed on a wanted list. The Investigative Committee subsequently requested her in absentia arrest. Law enforcement officials concluded the investigation into the case last December.
