A military court in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia, has sentenced 15-year-old Valery Zaitsev to 4.5 years in a correctional facility after finding him guilty of terrorism-related charges. This was reported by Russian independent media outlet Mediazona.
The verdict was delivered on August 16 by the 1st Eastern District Military Court and has already drawn international attention due to the boy’s young age and the nature of the charges.
The case was conducted behind closed doors, with Zaitsev being convicted of "teaching terrorism" and "participation in a terrorist organization."
Prosecutors had initially demanded a nine-year sentence, but the court ultimately decided on a 4.5-year term.
According to his grandmother, Zaitsev partially admitted his guilt during the proceedings.
Zaitsev was arrested in October 2023 while undergoing treatment at a tuberculosis clinic in the village of Solnechny, Khabarovsk Krai. Alongside him, 18-year-old Nikita Turulaev was also detained in connection with the case.
The charges against the two young men reportedly stemmed from the testimony of a secret witness, who claimed to have evidence of them throwing Molotov cocktails into an abandoned building.
Zaitsev’s grandmother believes the witness might have acted as a provocateur, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the case.
Allegations and Trial Secrecy
Despite the case being classified, some details have emerged.
Reports suggest that Zaitsev had been searching online for instructions on working with explosives and making Molotov cocktails.
He allegedly tested these in deserted areas and posted the results in a Telegram group, which authorities cited as evidence of his involvement in terrorist activities.
