Russian blogger sentenced to psychiatric care for anti-Putin posts: Will six‑month term turn to indefinite?
A year ago, Free Europe Radio reported on Pietrowa - one of the four Russian women who shared information on social media about the actual events transpired in Bucha. For her actions, she received a court sentence, resulting in her stay in a psychiatric hospital after spending 15 months in custody.
Verdict delivered to the Russian blogger
Let's remember that Pietrowa's social media posts not only shed light on the Bucha massacre but also carried the views of a Ukrainian psychologist who claims that Wladimir Putin has schizophrenia. Her lawyer Anastasia Pilipenko announced the court's verdict on her Telegram channel and discussed the details of the case in an interview with "The Insider".
An investigation into the matter concluded that Pietrowa, who was thought to be unaware of her actions, was deemed insane. This Russian blogger is now housed in a psychiatric hospital, often referred to as a "nuthouse", and she is expected to remain there for six months. After this period, the course of her future will be decided by a court based on the medical committee's submissions.
Pilipenko alleges abuses by the medical staff at the hospital.
"She was forced to undress for a body examination, and then to bathe in front of men. Her request for a sanitary pad change was also denied," states Pilipenko.
"After six months, the court will decide based on the medical committee’s submissions, whether to extend the compulsory medical measure, replace it with another intervention like outpatient treatment, or completely stop all treatments. In practice, after the initial six months, almost no one is released for outpatient treatment," the lawyer further explains.
What future holds for Wiktoria Pietrowa?
In her interview with "The Insider", the lawyer reported that her client is currently in reasonable health. Pietrowa can see her family members, but only through a window due to a hospital-wide COVID-19 quarantine. However, what causes concern is that Pietrowa will be subjected to a treatment plan, potentially involving pharmacological drugs.
"In addition to sessions with psychiatrists and psychologists, drugs will also be involved, and this raises concerns about Wiktoria's health," emphasized Anastasia Pilipenko.
Pietrowa is anxious about her situation. Consequently, she chose not to appoint her mother, who might find the scenario burdensome, as her legal guardian. Pietrowa’s lawyer added that her client would prefer a year's sentence in a standard prison to treatment in a psychiatric hospital since that would give her a clear release date. Now, her fate rests in the hands of the doctors, who will review her case in six months.
