Russia: 17 years in prison for wanting to “transfer” information to Washington

Trials for espionage, high treason or confidential cooperation with foreign countries increased in Russia after the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Little information is available about these trials, which are generally held behind closed doors.

Human rights groups accuse Moscow of using these espionage accusations to punish critics of Vladimir Putin and the Ukraine offensive.

In recent years, several American citizens have also been arrested and sentenced to heavy sentences in Russia. Others are detained awaiting trial.