Story perspectives

Russian Comedian Sentenced for Joke Amid Censorship Crackdown

2/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Artemy Ostanin, a Russian comedian, was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison and fined 300,000 roubles.
The March 2025 performance included a joke mocking the veteran's disability, provoking outrage.
Ostanin tried to flee Russia but was arrested in Belarus.
During the trial, he expressed defiance, stating, “To hell with your judicial practice.”
The case highlights the severe consequences of Russia's censorship laws enacted after the Ukraine invasion.

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Story summary

Artemy Ostanin, a Russian comedian, was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison and fined 300,000 roubles.
The March 2025 performance included a joke mocking the veteran's disability, provoking outrage.
Ostanin tried to flee Russia but was arrested in Belarus.
During the trial, he expressed defiance, stating, “To hell with your judicial practice.”
The case highlights the severe consequences of Russia's censorship laws enacted after the Ukraine invasion.