Russian journalist found guilty of justifying terrorism, but avoids jail

Russian journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva charged with publicly justifying terrorism smiles during a court hearing in Pskov, Russia July 6, 2020. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov

PSKOV, Russia (Reuters) - A Russian court pronounced journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva guilty of justifying terrorism on Monday, but unexpectedly let her off with a fine, ending a trial her supporters said illustrated growing censorship.

The state prosecutor had asked the court in the western city of Pskov to jail Prokopyeva for six years and to ban her from journalism for four years. She denied the charge and said she had been put on trial for doing her job.