Russian Author Boris Akunin Sentenced in Absentia for Ukraine Support

The Russian author Boris Akunin is sentenced for having expressed support for Ukraine.

» Published: July 15 2025

Russian Author Boris Akunin Sentenced in Absentia for Ukraine Support
Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP/TT

Share this article

Akunin, who has been living in exile since 2014, is sentenced in his absence to 14 years in prison by a Russian court. In addition to the support for Ukraine, the 69-year-old is sentenced for having suggested a "revolution" to replace Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

A Russian arrest warrant for Akunin, pseudonym for Grigorij Tjchartisjvili, was issued in February last year. He has previously been placed on Russia's black list of terrorism, labeled as a "foreign agent" due to his opposition to the war in Ukraine.

Akunin himself has described the trial as a "farce".

Akunin is one of Russia's largest contemporary authors, known for, among other things, the novel "Winter Queen" about the detective Erast Fandorin. He is one of many prominent cultural profiles who have left Russia since the country's invasion of the Crimean peninsula. Those who have stayed have been met with strict censorship.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Alicia Vikander Stars in New Putin Drama Film with Jude Law
3 MIN READ

Alicia Vikander Stars in New Putin Drama Film with Jude Law

Marie and Bill Nylander Buy One Euro House in Italian Renovation Project
2 MIN READ

Marie and Bill Nylander Buy One Euro House in Italian Renovation Project

New Ice Age Film Boiling Point Premieres February 2027
1 MIN READ

New Ice Age Film Boiling Point Premieres February 2027

Protesters in Venice Rally Against Gaza Conflict During Film Festival
1 MIN READ

Protesters in Venice Rally Against Gaza Conflict During Film Festival

Bob Hund Fans Parade Through Stockholm Ahead of Final Concert
1 MIN READ

Bob Hund Fans Parade Through Stockholm Ahead of Final Concert

Mads Mikkelsen Talks Filming Challenges for The Last Viking
3 MIN READ

Mads Mikkelsen Talks Filming Challenges for The Last Viking

Critics Disappointed by Hov1's Farewell Concert in Stockholm
2 MIN READ

Critics Disappointed by Hov1's Farewell Concert in Stockholm

Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein Debuts at Venice Film Festival
3 MIN READ

Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein Debuts at Venice Film Festival

Hov1 Bids Emotional Farewell to Fans at Stockholm Concert
3 MIN READ

Hov1 Bids Emotional Farewell to Fans at Stockholm Concert

Yasin's Canceled Concerts in Sweden: What It Means for His Career
3 MIN READ

Yasin's Canceled Concerts in Sweden: What It Means for His Career

Neil Young Criticizes Trump with New Song on White House Fascism
1 MIN READ

Neil Young Criticizes Trump with New Song on White House Fascism

Social Democrats Summon Culture Minister Over TV4 Network Exit
1 MIN READ

Social Democrats Summon Culture Minister Over TV4 Network Exit

TV4 Exits Terrestrial Network: How to Know If You're Affected
3 MIN READ

TV4 Exits Terrestrial Network: How to Know If You're Affected

Audience Conducts Swedish Symphony Orchestra with AI at Baltic Sea Festival
1 MIN READ

Audience Conducts Swedish Symphony Orchestra with AI at Baltic Sea Festival

TV4's Exit from Terrestrial Network Impacts Public Service Funding
1 MIN READ

TV4's Exit from Terrestrial Network Impacts Public Service Funding

Russian Composer Rodion Shchedrin Passes Away at 92
1 MIN READ

Russian Composer Rodion Shchedrin Passes Away at 92

Danny Ramirez to Lead and Produce New Scarface Film
1 MIN READ

Danny Ramirez to Lead and Produce New Scarface Film

Jireel Replaces Yasin at Kristianstad's Trädgården Festival
2 MIN READ

Jireel Replaces Yasin at Kristianstad's Trädgården Festival

Jon Olsson's Wedding Featured in New Reality Series Star Wedding
1 MIN READ

Jon Olsson's Wedding Featured in New Reality Series Star Wedding

Minister Calls Gaming Industry Meeting on Grooming Concerns
1 MIN READ

Minister Calls Gaming Industry Meeting on Grooming Concerns