Anna Bazhutova Explained

Anna Bazhutova
Native Name Lang:ru
Nickname:YokoBovich
Nationality:Russian
Occupation:Streamer

Anna Bazhutova (;), known on Twitch as YokoBovich, is a Russian streamer. Bazhutova was arrested in 2023 and subsequently sentenced to five and a half years in prison for sharing testimonies of the Bucha massacre in Ukraine on her Twitch channel. The Memorial human rights organization has classified her as a political prisoner.

Detention

In April 2022, Bazhutova made a live stream on Twitch that included witnesses to the Bucha massacre, which occurred during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and residents of the city. In June 2023, pro-war Russian bloggers republished the stream and filed complaints with the police. Two months after the complaint, police searched Buzhutova's home and confiscated her personal electronic devices.[1] [2] [3] [4]

On 5 June 2024, the Ostankinsky District Court found Anna guilty of “spreading false information” about the Russian military and sentenced her to five and a half years in prison. Bazhutova's defense stated that it would appeal the decision.[1] [2] [3] The Memorial human rights organization has classified her as a political prisoner, stating that her case violates the right to freedom of expression and seeks to silence critics of the war in Russia.[5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2024-06-05 . Russian Twitch Streamer Jailed 5.5 Years for Bucha Testimonies . 2024-06-08 . . en.
  2. News: Chalk . Andy . 2024-06-05 . Russian Twitch streamer sentenced to more than 5 years in prison for criticizing the invasion of Ukraine . 2024-06-09 . en . PC Gamer.
  3. News: 2024-06-05 . Russian Internet Streamer Jailed For War Reports . 2024-06-08 . en . Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
  4. Web site: 2024-06-05 . Russian blogger jailed for over 5 years for Bucha livestream . 2024-06-08 . Space War.
  5. Web site: Lloria . Alberto . 2024-06-06 . Condenada a más de 5 años de cárcel por criticar la guerra en Ucrania. Una streamer se ha convertido en presa política en Rusia . 2024-06-08 . 3DJuegos.