and gold bars. On 24 February 2021, the court sentenced Markelov to 13 years in a strict regime colony and a fine of about ₽235 million. In addition, the court decided to deprive Markelov of all state awards and banned him from holding political positions for three years. Controversies Markelov is a controversial figure both in Russia and the Finnic community. He has been criticized by Western media for repressing the indigenous ethnicities of Mari El, and his disregard for human rights and his administration's inability to deal with the economic decay in Mari El. Beatings of political dissidents In early 2005, Markelov drew the ire of the international press when it was alleged that his authorities beat political dissidents and opponents of his governments with iron pipes. Numerous opposition members were beaten badly. No charges were brought to this incident, or for the other crimes of violence. Vladimir Kozlov During 2005, the Mari activist and chief editor Vladimir Kozlov was badly beaten by Markelov's enforcers after he published criticism of Leonid Markelov's politics. References 1963 births Living people Politicians from Moscow Communist Party of the Soviet Union members Liberal Democratic Party of Russia politicians United Russia politicians 21st-century Russian politicians Russian politicians convicted of crimes Heads of government who were later imprisoned Second convocation members of the State Duma (Russian Federation) Heads of Mari El Criminals from Moscow