The Russian court sentenced Meta's press secretary to 6 years in absentia
A Russian military court has sentenced Meta spokesman Andy Stone to six years in prison in absentia for "openly advocating terrorism," Reuters reports. Stone's lawyer asked for an acquittal, and an appeal will be filed against the verdict.
In February, a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant against Stone on several terrorism-related charges, months after Russian authorities sought him out and launched a criminal investigation. Stone was cited for "promoting terrorist activity, public incitement to terrorist activity, public justification of terrorism or advocacy of terrorism, and open calls for extremist activities."
In any case, it seems unlikely that Stone will spend time behind bars in Russia unless he goes there or to a country that has an extradition treaty with the nation. It is not unusual for a person to be charged or punished in another country (often for crimes related to espionage or hacking) and should never face these consequences.
Russia has recognized Meta as an extremist organization. Immediately after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it blocked access to Facebook and Instagram.