Russian Playwright and Director Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for “Justifying Terrorism”
In a shocking turn of events, a Russian military court has found acclaimed playwright Svetlana Petriychuk and theater director Yevgenia Berkovich guilty of “justifying terrorism.” The two women have been sentenced to six years in prison each, a decision that has sparked outrage and condemnation from critics who see it as a crackdown on free speech in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The case revolves around the play “Finist the Brave Falcon,” written by Petriychuk and directed by Berkovich. The play, which won two Golden Mask awards, tells the story of women lured into joining ISIS and the consequences they face upon returning to Russia. Despite the women’s claims that the play has an anti-terror message, prosecutors argued that it promoted extremist ideologies.
Both Petriychuk and Berkovich maintain their innocence, with Berkovich stating, “I have never partaken in any forms of Islam: neither radical nor any other. I have respect for the religion of Islam, and I feel nothing but condemnation and disgust toward terrorists.”
The trial, which took place behind closed doors, has drawn widespread condemnation from prominent Russian intellectuals and performers, as well as international human rights organizations. Amnesty International has called the women’s prosecution a violation of their right to freedom of expression.
Supporters of Petriychuk and Berkovich see the case as an attack on artistic freedom in Russia. More than 16,000 people signed a letter protesting the women’s detention, stating, “We are against the persecution of people on trumped-up charges. Against ideology governing art. Against the destruction of theater and culture.”
As the two women begin their six-year prison sentences, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing artists and free speech in Russia today.
