Harsher Sentence for Boris Akunin
A Moscow court has increased the severity of the sentence for author Boris Akunin, also known as Grigory Chkhartishvili, ordering him to serve his term in a strict-regime penal colony instead of a standard one. The ruling was issued in absentia. Akunin, a globally recognized author of historical detective novels, was previously convicted on July 14, 2025, to 14 years in prison on charges of publicly justifying terrorism, facilitating terrorist activity, and evading obligations as a 'foreign agent.'
Court Decision and Its Implications
The court's decision to change the type of correctional facility was made following a prosecutor's petition. His prison term will be calculated from the moment of his potential arrest or extradition to Russia. Furthermore, on December 3, 2025, the court added an additional year to his sentence in a separate case concerning his status as a foreign agent. Akunin also received an additional punishment: a four-year ban on administering websites following his hypothetical release.
In late December 2023, Boris Akunin was added to Russia's official register of terrorists and extremists, a designation that formed part of his criminal prosecution. These judicial measures underscore the gravity of the charges against him under current Russian law. The escalation of his punishment reflects a broader pattern of tightening controls on dissent within Russia, particularly targeting high-profile critics. This case is being closely watched by international human rights organizations and literary communities.