A Moscow court has sentenced YouTuber Yury Dud to 1 year and 10 months in prison in absentia. This means Dud, a journalist and popular online personality, was tried and sentenced without being physically present in court. The charge? Violating Russia's controversial "foreign agent" law.
The Basmanny district court found Dud guilty of repeatedly failing to comply with the legal obligations imposed on individuals registered as "foreign agents." This marks a significant escalation, reportedly being the first instance of a real prison sentence being handed down for these violations.
What is a 'Foreign Agent' in Russia?
Russia's Justice Ministry labelled Dud a "foreign agent" back in April 2022, shortly after he publicly condemned the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He subsequently left Russia and has remained abroad ever since.
According to the Moscow Prosecutor's Office, Dud made two social media posts in May 2025 that lacked the mandatory label indicating they were produced or distributed by a "foreign agent." These labels are required on all content produced by individuals or organisations designated as such.
What Happens Now?
Dud's sentence, which is not yet in effect, will begin upon his extradition to Russia or arrest within the country. Repeated violations of "foreign agent" requirements in Russia can carry a maximum prison term of two years.
Dud had previously been fined twice for similar labeling violations. He has yet to publicly comment on the prison sentence.
Who is Yury Dud?
Dud launched his YouTube channel in 2017, and it has since amassed over 10 million subscribers. The channel features interviews with a diverse range of figures, including politicians, musicians, journalists, and business leaders.
This case highlights the increasing pressure on independent media and voices within Russia, particularly those critical of the government's actions.