American filmmaker arrested and imprisoned for spreading pro-Russian propaganda dies in Ukrainian prison

A pro-Putin Chilean-American filmmaker who was jailed in Ukraine on charges of spreading Russian propaganda has died in prison.

Gonzalo Lira, a 55-year-old YouTuber and film director who was born in Burbank, California, and spent part of his childhood in the Los Angeles area, died Friday in a Ukrainian prison, the State Department confirmed to Fox News Digital.

“We can confirm the death of American citizen Gonzalo Lira in Ukraine,” a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “We offer our deepest condolences to the family on their loss.”

The spokesperson added that the department is “ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance” but would not comment further “out of respect for the family during this difficult time.”

Gonzalo Lira, a 55-year-old YouTuber and critic of Zelensky, has died in prison. Gonzalo Lira/X

Lira gained followers by posting pro-Russian content that justified Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, according to a Newsweek report, a criminal offense under Ukrainian law.

He was initially jailed in May 2023, but was released on bail. He was jailed again after posting a video suggesting he was leaving the country, and was arrested again for allegedly breaching his bail conditions.

Last letter from American journalist Gonzalo Lira to his sister. Telegram Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a joint press conference with European Council President Charles Michel and Moldovan President Maia Sandu in kyiv, Ukraine. ZUMAPRESS.com

Newsweek also reported that Lira made many controversial posts before being arrested by Ukrainian authorities, including labeling Ukrainian President Volodymry Zelenskyy as a “coke addict” and praising Putin’s “special military operation” as “one of the most brilliant invasions.” in military history”.

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The Ukrainian government’s Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security said Lira was arrested for “justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine,” according to Newsweek, a violation of Article 463-2 of Ukrainian criminal law.

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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