U.S. Citizen Arrested in Russia for ‘Treason’ Over $50 Donation to Ukrainian Charity
The Russian Government Arrests Dual U.S. Citizen on Treason Charges for Donating to Ukrainian Charity
The Russian government has taken a shocking and alarming step by arresting a dual U.S. citizen on treason charges. Ksenia Karelina, a 33-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was arrested for donating a mere $51.80 to Razom, a New York-based charity that provides aid to Ukraine.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) released a statement, revealing that Karelina had been actively collecting funds for Ukrainian organizations. These funds were then used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to purchase essential items such as tactical medicine, equipment, weapons, and ammunition. The FSB’s actions have left Karelina facing the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Karelina, who had become a U.S. citizen in 2021, was arrested in Yekaterinburg, Russia, while visiting her family. Her mother-in-law and ex-husband are now pleading with the Biden administration to intervene and secure her release so she can return to the United States.
The New York Times reported that Karelina was charged with treason on February 7, adding to the growing concerns surrounding the situation.
It remains unclear how Russia obtained information about Karelina’s donation, as the country does not publicly disclose such records due to U.S. privacy laws.
US citizen Ksenia Karelina was arrested in the case of treason in Russia, Mediazona found out. She was first detained in Yekaterinburg at the end of January and then sentenced to 14 days of arrest for “swearing”
Photo: Ksenia Karelina / VK https://t.co/o9ELSl1nwn pic.twitter.com/JWfXG3G0Xy
— Mediazona English (@mediazona_en) February 20, 2024
Razom, the charity to which Karelina donated, expressed its shock and dismay at the situation. CEO Dora Chomiak condemned the arrest, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly shown disregard for borders, foreign nationalities, and international treaties. Chomiak called on the U.S. government to demand the release of all unjustly detained individuals and hold Russia’s political and military leadership accountable for their invasion of Ukraine.
Aside from her involvement with the charity, Karelina worked as an aesthetician and spa manager at a prestigious hotel in Beverly Hills, showcasing her dedication to her profession and community.
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What steps should the United States and the international community take to condemn the arrest of Ksenia Karelina and protect human rights
Ted States. The arrest has sparked outrage among the international community, raising concerns about the increasing disregard for human rights in Russia.
The Russian government has often been criticized for its treatment of political dissidents and its suppression of freedom of speech. This arrest serves as yet another example of the government’s oppressive actions. The fact that Karelina was arrested merely for making a donation to a charity highlights the lengths to which the Russian government will go to silence any form of dissent.
The charity Razom, to which Karelina donated, is a well-known organization that provides essential aid to Ukraine, a country that has been embroiled in conflict for many years. It is deeply concerning that supporting such a commendable cause would result in charges of treason. This sends a chilling message to anyone who may wish to support Ukrainian civilians in their time of need.
The international community has a responsibility to stand up against such infringement on human rights. It is crucial that governments around the world, including the United States, condemn this arrest and demand the immediate release of Ksenia Karelina. Allowing such blatant violations of human rights to go unchecked sets a dangerous precedent and gives leeway to autocratic regimes to further suppress dissent.
The Biden administration must take a firm stance and exert diplomatic pressure on Russia to secure Karelina’s release. The United States must use all available channels to protect its citizens and ensure their safety, even when abroad. Failure to do so would undermine the rights and safety of all dual citizens and jeopardize the trust between nations.
Furthermore, this arrest underscores the urgent need for international cooperation in addressing human rights violations. It is vital that governments work together to hold accountable those who trample on basic human rights and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The arrest of Ksenia Karelina is a grave violation of human rights and an alarming display of the Russian government’s suppression of dissent. The international community must rally together to condemn this arrest and demand the immediate release of Karelina. The Russian government must be held accountable for its actions and reminded that the world will not tolerate such abuses of power. Only by working together can we ensure the protection of human rights and the safety of all individuals, regardless of their citizenship.
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