Woman to be tried in Crimea for treason over photos of military facilities

In the occupied Crimea, Russians accuse a woman of treason for allegedly collaborating with Ukrainian intelligence. She faces imprisonment for this, and human rights activists are demanding her release.

This was reported by the Crimean Tatar Resource Center.

The occupation authorities announced the illegal criminal prosecution of a 28-year-old resident of Dzhankoy district. She is accused of high treason for photographing the location of Russian military facilities.

According to the occupation prosecutor's office, in March 2024, the woman, who opposed the full-scale war of the Russian Federation, joined an online community allegedly coordinated by representatives of Ukrainian military intelligence. Through a messenger, she allegedly transmitted coordinates and screenshots with geolocations of Russian military equipment, for which she received about 15 thousand rubles.

An indictment has already been prepared in the case, and the woman faces an illegal trial and punishment under the article on high treason under Russian law.

The Crimean Tatar Resource Center condemned the case, calling it another example of political repression and called for the immediate release of all political prisoners held by the occupation administration.

The occupiers in Crimea are also increasing repressive pressure on the local population. People are being persecuted on trumped-up charges of espionage, subversion and criticism of the Russian military. The number of cases with clear political overtones and elements of intimidation is growing.

In 2024, at least 56 criminal proceedings were opened against civic activists, journalists, religious leaders, and others who dare to express dissent. The grounds for the prosecutions were accusations of links to organizations banned in Russia, high treason, espionage, public statements, organizing sabotage or calls for violence.

Анна Бальчінос