In a gripping turn of events, stunning images taken on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge captured the arrest of Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina, 33, on high treason charges by Vladimir Putin’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in Russia.
Karelina, a dual citizen, found herself at the center of a dramatic arrest unfolding against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge.
High Treason Charges and Court Appearance in Ekaterinburg
Ksenia Karelina, a 32-year-old resident of Los Angeles who became a US citizen in 2021, was apprehended by the FSB on high treason charges.
Video footage from state media showcased Russian soldiers escorting the ballerina to court in Ekaterinburg, where a judge, in a subsequent development reported by The Financial Times, denied her bail.
Arrest Linked to Fundraising for Ukrainian Military Cause
The arrest occurred on the same day as Vladimir Putin’s controversial interview with Tucker Carlson. Karelina faced initial detention for ‘petty hooliganism’ before high treason charges were levied against her.
She stands accused of fundraising for a Ukrainian military cause, allegedly transferring $51.80 from her American bank account to the Ukrainian charity Razom on the day of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Accusations of Supporting Kyiv Regime and Public Rallies
Additional charges allege Karelina’s participation in ‘public rallies in support of the Kyiv regime’ while in the United States.
The FSB contends that she proactively collected funds since February 2022 for a Ukrainian organization, contributing to the purchase of tactical medicine, equipment, weapons, and ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Treason Charges and Potential Penalties
Treason charges in Russia can carry severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison. Karelina’s case adds to the list of Americans held in Russian jails, including Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, former US Marine Paul Whelan, and Texas dad David Barnes, who recently received a 21-year prison sentence in Moscow on child abuse charges.
Putin’s Recent Statements on Detained Americans
Recent statements by Putin hinted at the possibility of releasing Americans held in Russian jails, although specifics were not discussed.
Karelina’s arrest and the extension of Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention underscore the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with US citizenship in the Russian legal system.
This unfolding saga on the Brooklyn Bridge encapsulates the arrest of Ksenia Karelina, intertwining elements of ballet, high treason charges, and geopolitical tensions.
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