A pro-Putin Chilean-American film director imprisoned in Ukraine on suspicion 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 that Gonzalo Lira, a U.S. citizen, has died in Ukraine,” a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”
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The spokesperson added that the ministry was “ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance” but would not comment further “out of respect for the family at this difficult time.”
According to a report in Newsweek, Lila gained followers by posting pro-Russian content justifying Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which is a criminal offense under Ukrainian law. He was initially jailed in May 2023, but was released on bail. After he posted a video hinting at leaving the country, he was rearrested and jailed again on suspicion of violating his bail conditions.
American-Chilean film director Gonzalo Lira has died in Ukraine. Lila was in a Ukrainian prison on charges of spreading Ukrainian propaganda. (X/@GonzaloLira1968)
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Newsweek also labeled Ukrainian President Volodymry Zelenskiy a “cokehead” and described Putin's “special military operation” as “one of the most glorious invasions in military history” before Mr. Lila was picked up by Ukrainian authorities. It was reported that he had made many controversial posts, such as praising him as “one of the best.”
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy attended a joint press conference with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of Moldova Maia Sandu in Kiev, Ukraine. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
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According to Newsweek, the Ukrainian government's National Center for Communication and Information Security said Lila was arrested on charges of “justifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine,” a violation of Article 463, Section 2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. That's what it means.
