Moscow jails missile scientist for treason

A Russian physicist, Alexander Shiplyuk, has been convicted of treason by a Moscow court for allegedly sharing state secrets related to hypersonic weapons technology. The closed-door trial concluded with a 15-year sentence in a penal colony and a fine of 500,000 rubles. Shiplyuk, who led the Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, was accused of passing sensitive information to foreign officials during a scientific conference in China in 2017. He has been in custody since 2022 and has consistently claimed his innocence. The case against Shiplyuk is part of a broader trend in Russia, where numerous scientists have faced treason charges in recent years, particularly those associated with military technology. His conviction follows that of his colleague, Anatoly Maslov, who received a 14-year sentence for similar accusations. This crackdown on scientists is seen as a response to increasing pressure on the academic community amid geopolitical tensions. Russia has positioned itself as a leader in hypersonic missile technology, which has been utilized in its military operations, particularly in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The government’s aggressive stance towards scientists is indicative of a climate of suspicion and fear, where sharing knowledge, even in academic settings, can lead to severe repercussions. The implications of these actions extend beyond individual cases, as they may deter collaboration and innovation within the scientific community. The arrests reflect a significant shift in how the Russian state views its intellectuals, prioritizing national security over academic freedom and collaboration.