A Russian pediatrician faces over five years in prison for alleged antiwar comments, sparking outrage and raising concerns about free speech in Russia.
At a Glance
- Dr. Nadezhda Buyanova, 68, sentenced to 5.5 years for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military
- Accused of telling a patient that a Russian soldier was a legitimate target for Ukrainian troops
- Case relied on testimony from a 7-year-old boy, despite initial denial of his presence
- Over 6,500 people signed a petition for Buyanova’s release
- Case seen as part of broader crackdown on antiwar dissent in Russia
Controversial Conviction Sparks Outcry
Russian pediatrician Dr. Nadezhda Buyanova has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for allegedly making antiwar comments during a medical appointment.
That’s the kind of political authoritarianism Trump just saved us from…
The 68-year-old doctor was convicted of spreading “false” information about the Russian military, a criminal offense established in March 2022.
The prosecution claimed that Buyanova told a patient that a Russian soldier, the patient’s father, was a legitimate target for Ukrainian troops. This accusation was made by Anastasia Akinshina, the mother of the patient, who publicized her complaint through a video.
A 68-year-old Russian pediatrician could face 6 years in prison after a patient accused her of making critical remarks about the war in Ukraine. https://t.co/pAfMY2LCH8
— Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (@RFERL) November 8, 2024
Defense Argues Lack of Evidence
Buyanova vehemently denied the accusations, urging the court to acquit her. Her defense team argued that there was no concrete evidence of the alleged conversation, suggesting that the accusation may have been fabricated due to animosity towards Ukrainians.
“A doctor, especially a pediatrician, is not capable of wishing harm to a child, his mother, or traumatizing the child’s psyche. Only a monster is capable of this — and of the words that I allegedly said to them,” Buyanova told Mediazona.
The case has drawn significant criticism for its reliance on the testimony of a 7-year-old boy, despite his mother’s initial statements denying his presence during the alleged incident. The court did not allow the boy to testify directly, instead using a pretrial interview as evidence.
Wider Implications for Free Speech
Buyanova’s case is part of a troubling trend in Russia, where individuals are being denounced for alleged political crimes. Since March 2022, over 1,000 people have been implicated in cases related to “spreading false information” about the army, with more than 20,000 detained for protesting against the war.
The prosecution was reportedly influenced by Alexander I. Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, highlighting the high-level involvement in such cases. This has raised concerns about the independence of the judicial process and the erosion of free speech in Russia.
The case has attracted widespread attention, with over 6,500 people signing a petition for Buyanova’s release. Her lawyer described the verdict as “unexpectedly harsh” and “monstrously cruel,” reflecting the shock and dismay felt by many observers.
Human rights organizations, including Memorial, have labeled Buyanova a political prisoner. The case has sparked outcry from various rights groups and organizations, who view it as a dangerous precedent for punishing antiwar expressions in Russia.
As Russia continues to tighten its grip on dissent, cases like Buyanova’s serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to question the official narrative surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. The conviction of a respected medical professional based on disputed evidence has left many wondering about the future of free speech and civil liberties in the country.
