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Ksenia Karelina, an American-Russian beginner ballet dancer accused of committing treason towards Russia for donating a bit of greater than $50 to a Ukrainian charity within the US, has admitted “guilt” in her case, in keeping with Russia state information company TASS.
Karelina, 33, is a twin nationwide American and Russian. She was detained in Yekaterinburg earlier this yr whereas she was within the nation visiting her grandparents. Not too long ago-released Wall Road Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was additionally arrested on espionage fees whereas he was visiting Yekaterinburg.
Russian officers accused the dancer of donating $51.80 to a Ukrainian charity whereas she was within the US. She made the donation the day that Russia invaded Ukraine.
Prosecutors wish to jail her for 15 years, accusing her of gathering cash for Ukraine to make use of to buy tactical army provides. The group Karelina donated to — Razom for Ukraine — relies in New York and is a non-profit group that gives non-military help to Ukraine.
Karelina’s lawyer, Mikhail Mushailov, mentioned a 15-year sentence — which might place her in a penal colony — was too extreme for the character of her infraction, and argued her cooperation within the investigation ought to earn her some good will within the courtroom.
The announcement comes on the heels of the biggest prisoner change between Russia and the West for the reason that Chilly Conflict. Karelina was prohibited from taking part in that change as a result of a last ruling had but to be made in her case.
Mushailov instructed reporters on Thursday that after a verdict was reached her authorized staff would start working towards together with her in a future prisoner swap.
Karelina lives in Los Angeles and works at a spa and as an beginner ballerina. She grew to become a US citizen in 2021. Since her arrest, her companion, Chris Van Heerden, has been campaigning for her launch.
“I imagine America will carry her again to me,” Van Heerden instructed CNN earlier this yr.
The couple had been vacationing in Istanbul simply earlier than her journey. Van Heerden returned to the US, whereas Karelina continued to Russia to see her household.
“I believed it could be harmful for her to go, with all the pieces occurring with the battle in Ukraine, however she reassured me that she was Russian and that all the pieces can be effective.” he instructed the Los Angeles Occasions in February. “So, for her birthday in December, I purchased her a ticket. She was so excited. Now, I’m hitting myself over the top about it.”
US officers didn’t study of her arrest till February 8.
Karelina detainment and trial coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s newest efforts to crack down on dissent inside his borders.
In April, Putin signed a decree growing the utmost sentence for treason fees to life in jail. Beforehand probably the most anybody may serve for treason was 20 years.
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