February 20, 2023

Another Political Prisoner


Another Political Prisoner
A penitential center in Moscow. Senate of Russian Federation, Flickr.

On February 15, a court in Barnaul sentenced Maria Ponomarenko, an independent journalist notorious for her anti-corruption investigations, to six years in prison for spreading "fakes" about the Russian army.

Criminal processing was triggered by a post in the Telegram channel Nashi Dny published in mid-March 2022. Apparently, Ponomarenko wrote that the Russian army carried out an airstrike on a drama theater in Mariupol that caused the death of many civilians.

The airstrike happened on March 16 and was recognized by the OSCE and Amnesty International as a war crime by the Russian army. However, according to a story fabricated by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the theater was blown up by Ukrainian soldiers from the Azov Regiment. 

According to Sever Realiy, Maria Ponomarenko was arrested and detained for spreading "fakes" back in April 2022 and spent ten months in custody; she spent time under house arrest, in a pre-trial detention center, and in a psychiatric clinic. While in custody, Ponomarenko attempted suicide because of the harsh conditions of her solitary confinement.

At the last court hearing, the journalist said that she would pass this new test without tears and tantrums, and Putin's regime would collapse before she would be released.

"They will sentence me to prison. Do you think I will cry or fall into hysterics? No. This is just a new stage of my life. And believe me, there are many more decent people behind bars than in The United Russia party. Patriotism is love for the Motherland. And love for the Motherland should not manifest itself in encouraging crimes. Corruption is a crime, an attack on a neighbor is a crime," Ponomarenko said.

This is far from the first case of criminal persecution for statements about the war in Ukraine. OVD.Info has reported that, by December 2022, over 370 Russians had been simiulary prosecuted. 

You Might Also Like

Dangerous Dreams
  • December 23, 2022

Dangerous Dreams

Russians are being fined for their dreams, "likes," and "silent support."
A Lady Leaves
  • November 08, 2022

A Lady Leaves

Famous Russian journalist and politician Ksenia Sobchak has reportedly fled the country to avoid arrest.
A Director Detained
  • October 31, 2022

A Director Detained

Russian playwright Alexei Zhitkovsky has been detained for suspicion of engaging in "extremism."
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955