Russian American dual citizen Ksenia Karelina, a ballerina who has ties to Maryland, received a 12-year prison sentence on Thursday for treason in Russia.
Chris Van Heerden, Karelina’s boyfriend, made a plea on CBS Mornings to bring her back to the United States.
“I’m pleading to the American government,” Van Heerden said. “I’m not a begging man, but I’m begging the American people to help get Ksenia back.”
Karelina is originally from Russia but became a U.S. citizen three years ago.
She was detained in Russia while visiting family members in January after authorities there discovered she donated $51 to a U.S.-based charity that gives aid to Ukraine.
Her family hoped she would be freed two weeks ago during a major U.S./Russian prisoner swap, but her trial date fell after that exchange.
Karelina had lived in Randallstown in Baltimore County with her then-husband for five years before moving to Los Angeles.
Her former mother-in-law on Thursday referred reporters to the statements from Van Heerden.
Karelina’s boyfriend continues to push for her to be released, saying she’s being wrongfully detained.
“This whole trial is bogus, being sentenced to 12 years,” Van Heerden said. “I’m trying to make sense of this. She’s an American citizen who made a $51.80 donation as an American citizen in Los Angeles, exercising her First Amendment rights.”
Karelina’s sentence will take effect in 15 days unless there is an appeal.
WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner.
