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 quit her job after making an on-air protest, was charged with spreading false information about the Russian army. Since the invasion began, thousands of Russians have faced charges for speaking out against the war, and the authorities have used legislation to target opposition figures, human rights activists, and independent media. The crackdown has led to the closure of rights groups, blocking of independent news sites, and the exile of many journalists fearing prosecution.