Moscow, April 2, 2026 A Moscow court has sentenced German sculptor Jacques Tilly to eight years and six months in prison in absentia for insulting religious feelings and spreading false information about the Russian military. The court found Tilly guilty on multiple charges, including defaming state institutions such as the presidency and the army, as well as promoting homosexuality. Witnesses testified that his depictions offended their religious sentiments. Prosecutors had sought a nine-year sentence, while Tilly’s defense argued for acquittal, citing a lack of evidence. The German embassy in Moscow condemned the verdict, calling it part of Russia’s ongoing crackdown on free speech. Diplomats attended the trial with Tilly’s knowledge, though he claimed he was not properly informed of the proceedings. The court also imposed a €2,000 fine and a four-year work ban. Tilly, who remains in Germany, faces no immediate extradition risk but may encounter travel restrictions to countries cooperating with Russian extradition requests. International observers dismiss the ruling as politically motivated, noting similar convictions against critics of Russia’s war in Ukraine. The case reflects Russia’s broader use of legal measures to silence dissent, particularly targeting those accused of spreading "false information" about military operations.