The Second Western District Military Court has sentenced Aramyan, co-founder of the student publication Doxa, to 10 years and 1 month of imprisonment. This decision arises from serious charges including justifying terrorism and spreading false information about the military, as reported by Meduza.
The prosecutor’s office initially recommended a harsher punishment, calling for 12 years and one month of incarceration. The verdict, delivered on September 27, 2024, highlights the Russian authorities' growing intolerance for dissenting voices, particularly those tied to anti-war activism.
The case against Aramyan stems from two main allegations. Firstly, the prosecution linked the charge of justifying terrorism to his column, titled “The Time for Protest is Over, Now is the Time for Resistance,” published on January 13, 2023. This article allegedly discusses the organization of anti-war resistance. Secondly, the court's findings related to the dissemination of fake information were prompted by Doxa's tweet on August 3, 2022, which included a map indicating civilian killings in the Ukrainian town of Bucha—a graphic representation advocating for increased transparency during the war.
Aramyan is viewed not only as the co-founder of Doxa but also as the primary editor and overseer of its digital presence, which has been cited as pivotal to the case presented against him. This investigation is part of broader efforts, according to Russian authorities, to combat the spread of what they term as terrorism and disinformation.
Historically, Aramyan and other Doxa editors have faced mounting pressures. Earlier, he faced similar charges alongside other editors, resulting in sentencing to two years of correctional labor for their involvement with minors participating in protests supporting opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Their actions included encouraging adolescents to attend demonstrations, which authorities classified as dangerous behavior.
Post-sentencing, Aramyan, along with several other Doxa members, fled the country, seeking refuge from impending legal action. The Russian Interior Ministry publicly announced their status as fugitives after issuing warrants for their arrest, continuing the pattern of repression against media organizations critiquing the government.
The legal repercussions did not end there: by August 2023, Aramyan had been reclassified as wanted on new charges stemming from his continuing involvement with Doxa, reflecting the fluidity and constant escalation of his legal troubles.
Commentators and rights advocates argue this case is emblematic of the Russian government's crackdown on freedom of expression, especially targeting individuals and organizations perceived as threats to state narratives. This recent sentencing is viewed not just as a punitive step against Aramyan, but as part of a larger strategy to silence dissent across Russia's media landscapes.
Experts see significant ramifications for reporters and activists operating under increasingly tyrannical conditions. Activists have been vocal about how the government's stance has propelled many individuals to flee or operate underground, fearing criminal repercussions for their professional activities.
"The prosecution requested 12 years and one month of imprisonment for Aramyan," highlighted Meduza, reflecting the severe climate surrounding journalists today. Meanwhile, the political atmosphere grows more surreal, as Russia continues to navigate its path amid international conflicts and domestic repression.
The fate of Aramyan serves as both a cautionary tale and rallying point for advocates of press freedom, raising urgent questions about the future of journalism and activism within the confines of authoritarian governance. With calls for resistance fading, the international community watches closely for the outcomes of similar cases, outraged but wary of incurring the ire of the Kremlin.