a dancer faces 20 years in prison for donating €47 to a Ukrainian NGO

She was detained by police in the city of Yekaterinburg at the end of January while visiting his family in Russia. She was accused of transferring funds to a Ukrainian organization that then used the money “to purchase tactical medications, equipment, weapons and ammunition,” reports Reuters.

Her boyfriend has stated that he only made a single donation of around 47 euros ($50) to the Ukrainian NGO and has publicly called for his release. If, due to this financial contribution, she is found guilty, could face up to 20 years in prison.

Despite the protests of the United States Embassy, ​​in Russia they clarified that They do not recognize the dual nationality of the accusedwho will be tried as a Russian citizen, according to the portal Infobae.

The trial, which is taking place behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, will take place in the same court where, next week, the oral trial of Evan Gershkovich will take place, a reporter from Wall Street Journal arrested in March 2023 and accused of espionage.

Behind closed doors

The court held the proceedings behind closed doors, as is typical in treason trialsand scheduled another hearing for August 7.

Since Russia deployed troops to Ukraine in February 2022, the country has strongly repressed any opposition and has passed laws that criminalize criticism of operations in Ukraine and comments that could discredit the Russian armed forces.

Great risk when traveling

Karelina’s case is similar to that of basketball player Brittney Grinerwho spent 10 months in prison for alleged drug possession and was released after a prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States. Therefore, this could be another case that Moscow could use as a “negotiating point” in any deal with Washington.

On Thursday, a spokesman for the United States Department of State reiterated the warning that no American citizen should travel to Russia under any circumstances, as they run a “great risk” of arrest.