A military court in Moscow has sentenced Meta spokesperson Andy Stone to six years in prison for “publicly defending terrorism,” in absentia.
Meta, according to RIA news agency was categorized as an extremist organization in Russia, and has had its Facebook and Instagram platforms banned in the country since 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, Interfax reported that the defendant’s lawyer, Valentina Filippenkova, intends to appeal the verdict, stating, “I asked for an acquittal.”
Last year, Russia’s interior ministry initiated a criminal investigation into Stone, although specific charges were not disclosed. According to RIA, state investigators allege that Stone made online comments defending “aggressive, hostile, and violent actions” against Russian soldiers involved in Moscow’s labeled “special military operation” in Ukraine.
