A journalist in Russia was given a seven-year prison sentence on Wednesday for condemning the Ukraine military action in their social media posts.

51-year-old Roman Ivanov was convicted for disseminating incorrect details about the Russian military and faced consequences under the rigorous military censorship regulations enforced by Moscow.

The government in Moscow has been utilizing legal measures to suppress any criticism of their military actions in Ukraine, which includes making statements that discredit the armed forces or spreading false information.

Ivanov exclaimed “Peace and freedom!” as he exited the courtroom following the verdict.

Reporters from AFP present in the courtroom observed the defendant’s followers applauding and shouting, “We stand by you. You are not alone.”

Ivanov expressed disapproval of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and specifically in Bucha in posts on the Telegram and VKontakte social media platforms in 2022.

The individual was taken into custody last year and entered a plea of innocence.

During a prior court hearing, he declared in a closing statement, “Journalism is non-existent in Russia.”

He stated, “It is important to reflect on why we contribute to the spread of suffering and discontent, and why our nation has become overwhelmed by these negative experiences.”

In 2021, Ivanov lost his job at a regional government-owned TV station for exposing potential bribery, vote tampering, and environmental issues in Korolyov, a town located northeast of Moscow.

After the verdict was given on Wednesday, Ivanov’s mother stated that she thought the accusations against him were motivated by the local government seeking revenge for his investigative work.

Alla Ivanova tearfully stated that the situation in front of her son is completely false. She vowed to keep fighting and expressed her love and pride for her son’s actions in helping others.