Russia seeks 15-year prison sentence for Russian-American Ksenia Karelina
CBSAug 16
Russian Prosecutors Seek 15-Year Sentence for Russia-US Dual Citizen
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The Facts
Russia's state media reported Thursday that prosecutors are seeking a 15-year sentence in the case of a Russian-American dual citizen who pleaded guilty to treason after donating money to a US-based charity helping Ukraine.
Ksenia Khavana, whom Russian officials identified by her maiden name of Karelina, was arrested in Yekaterinburg earlier this year upon her return to Russia to visit family.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Since launching his invasion of Ukraine, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin has enacted a harsh regime to crack down on all forms of dissent in the country. Russia has also increasingly been arresting Russia-US dual citizens in an attempt to improve their hand in future prisoner swap negotiations.
Pro-Russia narrative
Karelina donated money to an organization that supports Ukraine's armed forces in violation of Russia's laws and has even pleaded guilty to her crime. As she is set to be sentenced on August 15, it's difficult to understand why the West is crying foul.