Moscow Court Sentences German Sculptor Jacques Tilly to 8.5 Years in Prison for Criticism of Russian Army

In Moscow, the capital of the aggressor state of the Russian Federation, a court hearing took place on April 2, 2023, during which German sculptor and creator of carnival floats Jacques Tilly was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. This verdict has drawn significant attention from the international community, as it represents yet another instance of repression against freedom of expression in Russia.

According to information published by Deutsche Welle, Judge Konstantin Ochirov found Tilly guilty of 'offending the feelings of believers' and disseminating 'fake news' about the Russian army. It is important to note that the sculptor did not participate in the hearing, and his state-appointed defense team demanded full acquittal due to a lack of evidence of guilt. Tilly's lawyer reported that she had unsuccessfully attempted to contact her client through the German embassy, and his position in court was essentially unheard.

In addition to the main punishment, the Moscow court also ordered the sculptor to pay a fine, which amounts to approximately 2,000 euros. Furthermore, Tilly is prohibited from engaging in professional activities for four years. Notably, representatives of the Putin regime requested that the creative figure be sentenced to nine years in prison, alongside a monetary fine and a ban on professional activity.

Throughout the trial, Tilly faced repeated accusations of 'offending the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.' Following the announcement of the verdict, the German embassy in Moscow sharply criticized the court's decision, stating that 'the verdict against Jacques Tilly demonstrates that the criminalization and persecution of freedom of speech by the Russian government continues unabated—and now increasingly aggressively abroad.' German Ambassador to Russia Alexander Lambsdorff emphasized that this issue directly concerns Germany.

German diplomats characterized the situation surrounding Tilly as an 'absurd spectacle' and assured that they would continue to defend freedom of speech, art, and satire. For his part, the sculptor reacted to the verdict with sarcasm, noting, 'Now everyone can see that the Russian regime is afraid of Tilly's papier-mâché figures. With this verdict, they make themselves a laughingstock.' He also emphasized that criticism of those in power is natural in a free society.

It is worth noting that Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has repeatedly been the target of sharp satire from Jacques Tilly. The sculptor has depicted Putin in various provocative situations, including in a bloody bath colored like the Ukrainian flag, as well as in scenes illustrating Russia's aggressive attempts against Ukraine. Following one such incident in December 2025, a criminal case was initiated against Tilly in Russia.

In conclusion, Tilly expressed his views on the situation, stating, 'In reality, it's all about Putin. He has the power in Russia; he determines the main directions of policy. You can be angry or laugh at satire, but you should not try to silence it through legal means! It's simply disgraceful—for any leader, whether authoritarian or democratic.' These words underscore the importance of freedom of speech and art in society, as well as exposing the repressive nature of the regime that prevails in Russia.