Article:

The number of treason cases in Russia has surged since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, drawing parallels to the show trials during the Soviet era. These cases, which are investigated and prosecuted in utmost secrecy, have ensnared both citizens and foreigners, regardless of their political affiliations. Treason cases were previously rare in Russia, but they have seen a significant increase in recent years.

Since the invasion, President Vladimir Putin has urged the security services to crack down on foreign intelligence services and swiftly identify traitors, spies, and saboteurs. The powerful Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has taken an exclusive role in investigating these cases. The accused individuals are often held in strict isolation at Moscow's infamous Lefortovo Prison, face closed-door trials, and are consistently handed long prison sentences. Even though specific charges and evidence are not always disclosed, the conviction rate remains high.

In 2023, the First Department, a rights group specializing in treason prosecutions, disclosed over 100 known treason cases, with the likelihood of another 100 undisclosed cases. The increase in prosecutions seems to be tied to the ongoing war with Ukraine, where authorities aim to round up individuals believed to be traitors. The expansion of the treason law in 2012, which included providing assistance to foreign organizations, played a role in broadening the scope for potential prosecution.

The targets of these treason cases range widely, encompassing Kremlin critics, independent journalists, and scientists collaborating with countries considered friendly to Moscow. Notably, scientists working in fields related to aerodynamics and hypersonics, which have applications in weapons development, have been arrested. These scientists, who deny the charges brought against them, emphasize their collaboration on joint projects and presentations at international seminars.

The cases of Valery Golubkin, a 71-year-old physicist specializing in aerodynamics, and Anatoly Maslov, a 77-year-old scientist, exemplify these arrests. Golubkin, whose state-run research institute was involved in a project on hypersonic civilian aircraft, was charged with treason. Maslov, who was also working in hypersonics, received a 14-year prison sentence.

The crackdown has not only targeted scientists but also opposition politicians and journalists critical of the Russian government. Activist journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, convicted on treason charges, received a 25-year prison sentence following attempts on his life. Another case involved American journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on espionage charges, becoming the first American reporter detained on such charges since the Cold War.

The increase in treason cases has led experts to point out various motives behind the surge. Firstly, it serves as a warning to scientists that collaboration with foreign peers or attending conferences abroad is no longer permissible. Additionally, authorities find it easier to allocate resources for treason cases, such as surveillance and wiretapping. The spike in prosecutions followed the FSB's decision to allow its regional branches to pursue certain types of treason, creating a push for advancement among officials.

The belief in the fragility of the regime during times of political turmoil, such as mass protests or the ongoing war with Ukraine, also plays a fundamental role. The FSB genuinely believes in the need to catch traitors and enemies of the motherland, even in cases lacking substantial evidence, according to insiders.

As the number of treason cases continues to rise, concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and human rights in Russia persist. The parallels drawn to Soviet-era show trials highlight the deep concerns about the fairness and transparency of these prosecutions.