The appellate court in Moscow toughened the sentence of 21-year-old resident of Ulan-Ude, Alexey Badmaev, convicted for a comment on social media and a transfer of 500 rubles to the RDK*. Now, instead of seven years, he will spend 14 years in a high-security colony, the prisoner's relatives told 'People of Baikal'.
At the end of January this year, Badmaev was found guilty of 'treason', 'justifying terrorism', and 'attempting to create, lead, or finance an armed formation'.
The reason for initiating the case against the young man was a donation of 500 rubles to the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' and a comment on 'VKontakte' in support of the 'Freedom of Russia' Legion*. The court noted that the young man is an 'opponent of the Russian Armed Forces' special military operation'. At the end of January, Badmaev was sentenced to seven years in prison.
The prosecution sought a review of the verdict, demanding the sentence be doubled. The court granted this appeal.
* Recognized as 'terrorist' organizations in Russia.
Photo: People of Baikal