Russian court sentences woman to 10 years over alleged online terror messages

A court in Russia has sentenced a 23-year-old woman from Syktyvkar, Kristina Yakunenko, to 10 years in a general-regime penal colony in a case involving alleged online messages proposing terrorist attacks, according to reports by ASTRA.

The sentence was handed down by the 1st Western District Military Court, which found her guilty of communications in which she allegedly suggested carrying out attacks in the city of Ryazan, including discussions of targeting railway infrastructure and an airport in exchange for money. Prosecutors had requested a 13-year sentence and a fine of 400,000 rubles.

According to the court, Yakunenko acted under the direction of an unidentified “supervisor” and used the Russian social media platform VKontakte to send messages to multiple individuals, including minors. One recipient, including a 10-year-old child, reportedly alerted authorities, leading to the investigation.

In court, Yakunenko admitted guilt and described her actions as “stupidity,” while also making conflicting statements during the investigation. She reportedly initially told investigators she opposed the ongoing war and later claimed she intended to report individuals who agreed to commit attacks. She also said she was acting on instructions from a handler who promised her financial payment.

Court documents and statements cited in the reporting describe her as having grown up in foster care after being taken from an orphanage, and note that she has developmental difficulties and received special education. 

It was also reported that Yakunenko gave birth while in pre-trial detention in January. Her child is being cared for by another detainee during court proceedings.

By Sabina Mammadli