Russian court sentences Ukrainian film director Sentsov to 20 years for plotting terror acts in Crimea
The North Caucasus District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don has convicted Ukrainian film director Oleh Sentsov of plotting terrorist attacks in Crimea and has sentenced him to 20 years in a high-security prison, an Interfax correspondent reported from the courtroom.
Sentsov was found guilty of establishing a terrorist community and leading it, of involvement in two terrorist attacks and preparations for another one, seeking to obtain explosive devices, as well as the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by an organized group.
The second defendant, Oleksandr Kolchenko, was found guilty of being a terrorist community member and of complicity in a terrorist act. He was sentenced to ten years in a high-security penitentiary.
The convicts began singing the Ukrainian anthem after their verdicts were pronounced. Sentsov then shouted "Glory to Ukraine!". Ukrainian journalists and diplomats present in the courtroom stood up as the anthem was sung. But they sat back down again at the request of court bailiffs.
The conviction may be appealed within ten days.