Russian military court sentences Meta spokesman in absentia for 'justifying terrorism'

ISTANBUL

A Russian military court sentenced US tech giant Meta’s communications director to six years in prison on the charge of “justifying terrorism,” state news agency TASS reported on Monday. The verdict was handed down in absentia.

Andy Stone was found guilty of committing a crime under the country’s Criminal Code by the Second Western District Military Court. He will have to serve the sentence in a general regime colony.

The court also banned Stone from administering internet resources for a period of four years.

The defendant's lawyer said the sentence would be appealed.

In March 2022, Russia's Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against Meta after reports that it changed rules to allow calls for violence against Russians and Russian soldiers on its platforms in the context of the Ukraine war.

Russia included Meta to its list of “extremist and terrorist organizations” the same year.