People take part in a rally to demand the release of two teenagers accused of 'extremism', in a case they say is part of a growing Kremlin crackdown on Russian youth, in Moscow on August 15, 2018. - Anna Pavlikova and Maria Dubovik, aged 18 and 19 respectively, are accused along with eight others of creating an 'extremist organisation' that was infiltrated by Russian security services. But the lawyer of the two teens said the investigation against the group constituted entrapment. The young women face up to 12 years in prison if found guilty. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP)
MOSCOW: In 2015, Eduard Nikitin shared a joke on social media about Russia’s bleak future. Three years later he is facing trial on extremism charges over this and one other meme.
The case against the 42-year-old is part of a wider trend that has seen Russian authorities bring charges against people for seemingly innocuous, humorous posts in increasing numbers.
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