Russian authorities fine a human rights advocate for criticizing the war in Ukraine

By DASHA LITVINOVA
Associated Press

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Russian authorities imposed a fine of about $1,500 on a prominent human rights advocate for criticizing the war in Ukraine, the latest step in a relentless crackdown. Oleg Orlov, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial, was convicted of “discrediting” the Russian military after his Facebook post denouncing the invasion. After invading Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin effectively outlawed any criticism of what it insisted on calling its “special military operation.” The authorities have used the law to target opposition figures, human rights activists and independent media.