Russian writer faces 18 years in prison for conversation with prankster posing as Zelensky

According to glavcom.ua: The Russian prosecution demands 18 years in prison for the renowned writer Boris Akunin, who is accused of aiding terrorist activities, justifying terrorism, and evading the obligations of a foreign agent. Recent events have affected not only the writer's creative work but also his family.

In late January 2024, Russian authorities placed Akunin on the wanted list, added him to the register of 'terrorists and extremists', froze his wife's accounts, and started a ban on the sale of his books in Russian bookstores. In addition, the country's dictator Vladimir Putin included 'patriotic works' by contemporary authors in the lists recommended for school reading.