Russian Journalist Sentenced in Absentia for Criticizing Ukraine War

A former state TV journalist in Russia has been sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison in absentia for protesting Russia's war in Ukraine. Marina Ovsyannikova, who previously worked for state-run Channel One, staged a protest near the Kremlin and held a sign criticizing President Vladimir Putin and the Russian army. Since the invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Russians have faced charges for speaking out against the war, leading to a crackdown on dissent, the closure of rights groups and independent media, and the exile of journalists fearing prosecution.