Russian stand-up comedian jailed for nearly six years over army joke
Comedian jailed after veteran joke triggered outrage
- Russian stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison after being convicted of inciting hatred.
- He received a five-year, nine-month sentence and a 300,000 rouble (£2,800) fine following his conviction.
- The charges stemmed from a joke Ostanin made about a legless war veteran, which caused significant outrage among nationalists and military bloggers.
- Ostanin was also convicted of offending Christians with another joke about Jesus, which angered Orthodox nationalist groups.
- His case is part of a series of harsh punishments under Russia's sweeping censorship laws, enacted in 2022, targeting those who speak critically about the Russian army.
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