Alexei Gorinov, a former Moscow municipal council member and outspoken critic of the Kremlin, has received an additional three-year prison sentence, extending his current seven-year term. This new sentence comes after a three-day trial in Russia's Vladimir region, where Gorinov was found guilty of opposing Russia's war in Ukraine. This second conviction further underscores Russia's suppression of dissent related to the conflict.

Gorinov's initial seven-year sentence, handed down in July 2022, stemmed from his public criticism of the invasion during a council meeting. He questioned a children's art competition while highlighting the tragic loss of young lives in Ukraine. This led to charges of "spreading false information" about the Russian military.

The recent trial focused on accusations of “justifying terrorism,” allegedly stemming from conversations Gorinov had with fellow inmates. These conversations reportedly concerned Ukraine's Azov battalion, which Russia has designated a terrorist organization, and the 2022 Crimean bridge explosion. Gorinov denied these charges, maintaining his stance that Crimea is Ukrainian territory and that the Azov battalion is part of the Ukrainian army.

With this new sentence, Gorinov's total prison time will be increased by one year, requiring him to serve five years in a maximum-security facility. His case highlights the ongoing crackdown on anti-war sentiment in Russia. Since the war began in February 2022, over a thousand individuals have faced legal repercussions for expressing dissenting views, with hundreds currently incarcerated or involuntarily committed to medical institutions.

During his closing statement, Gorinov expressed remorse for not being able to prevent the war, while also calling for shared responsibility among those who organized, participated in, supported, or persecuted peace advocates. He asked for forgiveness from both Ukrainians and his fellow Russian citizens affected by the conflict.