Russian Comedian Artemy Ostanin Sentenced to Nearly Six Years for 'Inciting Hatred'

Russian comedian Artemy Ostanin has been sentenced to five years and nine months in a general regime penal colony by a Moscow court after being convicted of inciting hatred. The 29-year-old received his sentence on Wednesday.

Comedy Routines Cited in Conviction

His conviction is primarily linked to a 2025 comedy routine where Ostanin joked about a veteran who lost his legs and used a skateboard, referring to him as a “legless skater.” Footage of this performance circulated, leading to criticism from Russian nationalists who claimed Ostanin had disrespected soldiers involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

Ostanin, who was arrested in March while attempting to travel to Belarus, denied that his joke referred to Russians fighting in Ukraine. He was also found guilty of offending Christians due to a separate joke about Jesus, which reportedly angered Orthodox nationalists.

The Verdict and Additional Penalties

Judge Olesya Mendeleyeva was quoted by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti as confirming the final sentence:

"Imprisonment for five years and nine months in a general regime penal colony."

In his final statement to the court, Ostanin characterized the proceedings as unjust. According to Reuters, when asked if he understood the sentence, he responded negatively.

In addition to the prison term, Ostanin was fined 300,000 rubles ($3,900) and placed on a government list of designated “terrorists and extremists,” a measure often applied to political opponents.

Human Rights Concerns and Broader Context

Russian human rights group Memorial criticized Ostanin’s prosecution. The group stated that:

"Vague extremism and blasphemy laws are used to suppress speech, intimidate artists, and penalize humor."

Since its offensive in Ukraine began in February 2022, Russia has increased actions against individuals perceived as critics.