Russian Comedian Faces Prison for Controversial Jokes

Artemy Ostanin, a Russian comedian, has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for making jokes about a legless war veteran and Jesus, causing outrage among nationalists. The case is part of a crackdown on individuals critiquing the Russian army amid the Ukraine conflict, underscoring strict censorship laws.

A Russian stand-up comedian, Artemy Ostanin, was sentenced to nearly six years in prison on Wednesday after a joke he made about a legless war veteran spurred outrage. The joke, which targeted a veteran forced to use a skateboard, provoked nationalist and military bloggers' ire.

The conviction is part of a wave of legal actions harshly punishing individuals accused of disrespecting the Russian military during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Alongside his conviction for inciting hatred, Ostanin was also accused of offending Christians with a joke about Jesus, angering Orthodox nationalists.

Ostanin attempted to flee Russia in March last year but was captured in Belarus and returned to face charges. His case highlights the expanding use of censorship laws passed in 2022, allowing authorities to crack down on criticism, with cultural figures like comedians facing increasing scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)