In a Moscow courtroom on Thursday, a verdict was delivered that fell short of the prosecution’s demands, imposing a sentence a year lighter than anticipated. In a dramatic move, just prior to the announcement, prominent activist Alexei Udaltsov declared his intent to embark on a “hunger strike until death” should he be found guilty.
Following the ruling, Udaltsov did not mince words. “A shameful decision. I hope whoever orchestrated this will be held accountable. Damned bitches,” he remarked, as reported by the opposition outlet Meduza.
Udaltsov’s wife, Anastasia, serves in the Russian National Assembly, where she holds a seat on behalf of the Communist Party. While she publicly supports Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, her stance often positions her as a critic of President Putin’s policies.
According to Meduza, the prosecution’s case against Udaltsov found its roots in an article titled “How Marxists Were Made Terrorists,” in which he voiced support for a group of activists subsequently accused by Russian intelligence of fostering a terrorist organization. Earlier this year, a military court imposed a dramatic sentence of 16 to 22 years on the activist.
Between 2011 and 2013, Udaltsov emerged as a leading figure within a robust protest movement challenging Putin’s return to presidential power. His activism culminated in a conviction in 2014, which saw him sentenced to four and a half years for his role in anti-Putin demonstrations. He was released in 2017, but his struggles against the Russian state seem far from over.