- Moscow military court convicted playwright Svetlana
- The verdict sparked outrage
- Both Berkovich and Petrichuk denied the charges
A Moscow military court convicted playwright Svetlana Petrichuk and director Yevgenia Berkovich of “justifying terrorism” and sentenced them to six years in prison each. Their play, “The Brave Falcon Finist,” explored the stories of Russian women who joined ISIS during the Syrian civil war.
The verdict sparked outrage among Russia’s artistic community, who viewed the trial as an attack on freedom of expression. The play, which premiered in 2020 and won prestigious awards, was seen as a social commentary, not an endorsement of terrorism.
Both Berkovich and Petrichuk denied the charges, insisting the play aimed to counter terrorism. Their lawyer vowed to appeal the “unfair” verdict despite limited hope. Some believe the prosecution targeted Berkovich due to her anti-war poems criticizing the Ukraine invasion.
The case highlights the growing pressure on Russian artists since the war. Supporters of the women, including prominent figures like journalist Dmitry Muratov, are calling for their release.
