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MOSCOW (AP) — While foreign spectators from all over the world are having a blast at the World Cup being hosted by Russia, human rights activists are urging them not to overlook the other side of Vladimir Putin's nation: political prisoners and the harassment of critical voices.
Friday marked the 40th day that Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, an outspoken Kremlin critic, has been on a hunger strike in a Russian prison.
Sentsov's lawyer, Dmitry Dinze, said his client has lost about 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and was very frail.
"This is a double picture of a very bright, very sparkling celebration, but on the other hand, there is an entire abyss of despair," said Tanya Lokshina, the Russia program director at Human Rights Watch.
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