Russian 'Secret Agent' Arrested and Charged with Conspiracy Against the U.S.

U.S. judicial authorities have charged Maria Butina, a detained Russian woman in the country, with carrying out a 'secret mission' for the Russian government and conspiring against the United States. The allegations against Butina arose following a meeting between the presidents of the two countries. A U.S. grand jury has accused the 29-year-old Russian, a student at American University in Washington and founder of a Russian pro-gun rights group, of conspiracy and secret missions for the Russian government. The grand jury is a judicial body that can investigate criminal charges and decide on formal charges against legal and natural persons. If the charges against Ms. Butina are proven in court, she could face up to 10 years in prison. Currently, there are no charges against her for membership in Russian intelligence or espionage organizations or for 'sabotage.' The Russian citizen residing in the U.S. was arrested on July 15 and is set to appear in court in Washington today. The U.S. prosecution has accused Butina of attempting to infiltrate political institutions and establish relationships with several conservative politicians and candidates in the United States. According to the prosecution, during her activities, she not only met with politicians but also participated in events supported by American lobbyists, such as the 'National Prayer Breakfast.' U.S. media reports indicate that she worked for Alexander Torshin, the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Russia. Mr. Torshin has not commented on this matter. The lawyer for this Russian citizen claims she is not a Russian government agent. The Russian news agency Interfax quotes Andrey Kolyadin, a 'political expert,' stating that during her attendance at the 'National Prayer Breakfast,' Maria Butina was translating for him. The 'National Prayer Breakfast' is an annual event held in Washington where senior officials, including the president, give speeches, and meetings and discussions take place among participants. The event mentioned by Andrey Kolyadin was attended by Donald Trump. The U.S. Department of Justice states that Ms. Butina collaborated with two unnamed American citizens and her boss in Moscow to influence American politicians and infiltrate the 'National Rifle Association.' The NRA is a powerful organization and lobby that promotes gun ownership. Nikolai Kovalyov, deputy chairman of the Russian Duma and former head of the country's Federal Security Service, has accused U.S. judicial authorities of aiming to 'undermine' the negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Finland and the efforts of the two leaders to improve relations between Washington and Moscow. U.S. judicial authorities have not yet responded to these accusations, but they have previously denied political accusations against the institution and emphasized its independence from the government. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met on July 16 in the Finnish capital.