Artemy Ostanin

Artemy Ostanin is a 29-year-old Russian stand-up comedian. He is currently newsworthy due to his recent sentencing to over five years in a penal colony in Moscow. The conviction stems from a joke he told during a stand-up routine in March 2025, which was deemed to be “inciting hatred.” The joke reportedly involved a disabled war veteran, although Ostanin maintains it did not specifically mention soldiers. The court's decision highlights the increasing sensitivity and potential repercussions for artistic expression, particularly regarding topics related to the military and ongoing conflicts, within Russia. This case is significant as it underscores the limitations on freedom of speech and the potential for severe penalties for perceived criticism of the government or military actions.