Russian Teen Influencer Sentenced to Prison for Active SNS Activities

Accused of Extremist Activities via Instagram
Maximum Sentence for Charges Up to 6 Years... Veronica Proclaims Innocence

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] Veronica Roginova, a Russian teenage influencer, was sentenced to prison simply for being active on social networking services (SNS).

According to the British media Metro on the 21st (local time), 18-year-old Russian woman Veronica Roginova was sentenced to six years in prison on charges of extremist activities on Instagram.

Veronica is known as an influencer with 550,000 followers each on SNS and YouTube, posting beauty and fashion-related content. According to Veronica, on August 17, two prosecutors from her agency visited her home because she was "too conspicuous."

She explained, "I have never engaged in any political activities, but I am being sentenced to prison simply for running an Instagram account," adding, "Prosecutors can come to your home at any time."

Veronica was accused of "extremist activities" for excessive behavior to gather followers on SNS. This charge can carry a prison sentence of up to six years.

In response, Veronica said, "I want to uncover the truth. Fortunately, I am receiving support from people who understand that the treatment I received is not normal." She continued, "This is really absurd, and I hope as many people as possible learn about this case," expressing her grievance.

Earlier, the Moscow court passed a law in March officially banning Instagram and Facebook within Russia and prohibiting the use of Western social media platforms. Russia also created its own app called Rosgram.

Some criticize Russia's actions, noting that people close to the current government, such as Tatiana Navka, wife of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, still actively use Instagram.

Meanwhile, Veronica's SNS accounts have been switched to private, and it is reported that she is sharing updates through YouTube.