Russian Doctor Receives Five-and-a-Half Year Sentence for Alleged Ukraine War Remarks

Prior to the judgment, Nadezhda Buyanova, a 68-year-old paediatrician, was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs and confined within a glass and metal enclosure. From inside, she conveyed her perspective on the situation, stating: “It’s absurd, just absurd,” and adding, “I can’t get my head around what’s happening to me. Perhaps later I’ll be able to.” The paediatrician’s case originated from a police report filed by the mother of a 7-year-old patient. The mother alleged that the doctor had spoken negatively about the boy’s father, a Russian soldier who died in Ukraine, and had also stated that Russian military personnel in the conflict zone were legitimate targets. Ms Buyanova refutes these allegations, and no audio or video evidence exists to substantiate the claims. Nevertheless, in February, she was apprehended and accused of disseminating false information concerning the Russian armed forces. Following a brief period of house arrest, she was moved to pre-trial detention. At this point, Ms Buyanova was awaiting her sentence in the defendant’s box. Prior to the judge’s arrival, court personnel instructed camera crews to leave the courtroom. Journalists, including the reporter, were directed into the hallway. Moments later, the courtroom door reopened. A supporter of Ms Buyanova in the public gallery exclaimed, “Five-and-a-half years! She’s been sent to a penal colony for five-and-a-half years!” Oskar Cherdzhiyev, the doctor’s lawyer, commented that “The sentence is monstrously harsh.” He added, “We didn’t expect this, even given what is happening today [in Russia]. Just a few words proved enough to put someone behind bars for such a long time.” Alina, a member of the doctor’s support group present in court, stated: “For me it was important that Nadezhda saw that a lot of us came today, so that, if a miracle didn’t happen – and we were all still hoping for a miracle – it would be just that little bit easier for her.” She further remarked, “It’s very difficult to speak about this. We’re all in shock.” The legislation prohibiting the dissemination of false information regarding the military is among several stringent laws enacted in Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, designed to suppress or penalize dissent concerning the conflict. The incarceration of a paediatrician in Moscow serves as the most recent indication that Russia’s foreign conflict is contributing to domestic repression. This content is copyrighted by BBC, 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material on external sites. Details on their external linking policy are available.