Treason and espionage cases are rising in Russia since the war in Ukraine began
Treason and espionage cases are rising in Russia since the war in Ukraine began
Treason cases were once rare in Russia, a handful each year. But they — along with espionage prosecutions — have skyrocketed since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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Treason cases have been rare in Russia in the last 30 years, with a handful annually. But since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, they have skyrocketed, along with espionage prosecutions, ensnaring citizens and foreigners alike, regardless of their politics.
That has brought comparisons to the show trials under Soviet dictator Josef Stalin in the 1930s.
The more recent victims range from Kremlin critics and independent journalists to veteran scientists working with countries that Moscow considers friendly.
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Court cases maybe. Actual cases of espionage and treason, far less likely.
I'd be very surprised if the number of actual cases hasn't increased. Western, Ukrainian and other allied intelligence services have almost certainly increased their activities in Russia since the war began. They'd be terrible at their jobs if they hadn't.
Edit - this doesn't mean that the trials aren't shams, or that the regime doesn't use false accusations and evidence to rid itself of opposition.
Well, espionage and treason, like all laws are in the eye of the beholder.