Ukrainian journalist Kotsaba sentenced to 3.5 years in prison

The Ivano-Frankivsk City Court has not seen high treason in the actions of journalist Ruslan Kotsaba. However, he was accused of obstructing the legitimate activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during a special period.

He was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months of imprisonment, Ukrinform news agency reports.

“The Court does not see any signs of high treason in release of video message of Ruslan Kotsaba to the President of Ukraine ‘I oppose mobilization.’ However, his actions are qualified under Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – obstructing the legitimate activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine during a special period,” the judge said.

“The court sentenced Ruslan Kotsaba to 3 years and 6 months of imprisonment,” the judge added.

The court also repealed attachment of Kotsaba’s property seized during the search: money, phones and video equipment.

Kotsaba announced his intention to appeal against the ruling, as he considers himself innocent. He spent 15 months in a remand prison.

February 7, 2105, freelance journalist and blogger from Ivano-Frankivsk Roman Kotsaba was arrested after he had posted the video on YouTube calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urging Ukrainians to abandon mobilization.

March 31, 2015, he was charged with “high treason” and “obstructing the legitimate activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.”

The prosecutor’s office asked to sentence Kotsaba for 13 years in prison.

Amnesty International said that Kotsaba was Ukraine’s first prisoner of conscience for five years.