Meta spokesperson sentenced to 6 years in Russian prison
Andy Stone, a spokesperson for Meta, has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Russian military court. The charges against him include "publicly defending terrorism," according to Reuters. This verdict was reached after Stone's name appeared on a wanted list issued by Russian authorities, who also initiated a criminal investigation against him. Earlier this year, a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant against Stone, on accusations of promoting terrorist activities and public calls for extremist activities.
Stone lifted ban on calls for violence against Russian military
In March 2022, Russia's investigative committee launched an inquiry into Meta, alleging that Stone had incited extremist activity. The accusation was based on Stone's decision to lift "a ban on calls for violence against the Russian military on its platforms." Around the same time, Stone announced that Meta was "temporarily" allowing certain posts that could potentially incite violence to remain on its platforms. However, he emphasized that the company would continue to ban "credible calls for violence against Russian civilians."
It is unclear whether Stone will serve his sentence
Despite the ruling, it is unclear whether Stone will serve his sentence in Russia unless he voluntarily travels there, or to a country with an extradition agreement with Russia. It is not uncommon for individuals to be charged or sentenced in absentia, for crimes like espionage or hacking without facing the consequences. Meanwhile, Meta has yet to issue a public response to these events.
Access to Instagram, Facebook blocked in Russia
Meta has been designated as an extremist organization by the Russian government. Following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia blocked access to Instagram as well as Facebook soon after.
