One of the Kremlin-controlled courts in Simferopol sentenced Crimean journalist Mykola Semena on September 22. According to Krym.Realii, the journalist was sentenced for 2,5 years of probation with three more years of control, and was prohibited to engage in public activities.
The judge, while giving out the sentence, referred to the right of nations to self-determination and claimed that the events of spring 2014 in Crimea (annexation) are in accordance with the international law.
“The Constitution bears the highest status and spreads on all territory of Russia,” the judge said. She also saw the fact that Semena obtained Russian passport as the confirmation of “Crimea belonging to Russia”.
Previously Mykola Semena said that if he receives a sentence, it will influence all journalism in Russia.
Journalist Mykola Semena was charged for separatism because of an article entitled "Blockade is a necessary first step towards the liberation of Crimea." The journalist was accused of calling for the violation of the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.
