The request was made during closing arguments at the Nevsky District Court of St. Petersburg, Mediazona reported. The verdict is scheduled to be announced on October 5.
Kuvaev faces charges under two articles: failure to fulfill the duties of a "foreign agent" (Article 330.1 of the Criminal Code) and online calls against Russia's security (Article 280.4). The calls case was opened in the fall of 2023, prompted by the 169th episode of "Masyanya," titled "Idoliada," in which the character suggests that Russian military personnel surrender. According to the prosecution, the video also contains an advertisement for the "I Want to Live" project.
The "foreign agent" case emerged later: Kuvaev failed three times to submit a report to the Justice Ministry, was fined 30,000 rubles the first two times, and then a criminal case was opened. In December 2023, the Justice Ministry designated Kuvaev a "foreign agent."
Defense lawyer Vladimir Selivanovskikh argued in closing that no one had notified Kuvaev of the investigation or the trial, violating his right to a defense. The defense also said the prosecution presented no evidence, only witness opinions.
The episode itself was not shown in court. The court assessed the video's content based on the words of witnesses and Justice Ministry expert Vladislav Ivanov, as well as two "random internet users," Nikita Sotnikov and Nikita Grishchenko. According to the latter two, they saw the episode, were indignant, and decided it mocked the Russian army, which could lead many viewers to side with Ukraine.
In addition to the prison term, prosecutors are seeking a 290,000-ruble fine and a ban on administering websites and online channels for four years and 11 months. The defense argues that publishing on a personal channel is an expression of the artist's position.
Kuvaev has not lived in Russia since 2006.