Russian court convicts ex policeman of murdering 56 women

A shocking and disturbing crime. Here's a summary of the case:

A Russian court has convicted a former police officer of murdering 56 women in the 1990s and early 2000s. The convicted man, Mikhail Popkov, was a 44-year-old former police lieutenant colonel from the city of Yekaterinburg.

Popkov was arrested in 2012 and charged with the murders of 22 women, but as the investigation continued, more bodies were discovered, and the number of victims rose to 56. The victims were mostly sex workers, women who were out late at night, and others who were vulnerable to attack.

The investigation revealed that Popkov used his police badge and uniform to gain the trust of his victims, often picking them up at nightclubs or on the streets. He would then take them to his car, where he would strangle or shoot them.

Popkov's motive for the murders was reportedly a mix of sexual gratification and a desire to assert his power and control over women. He was known to have a history of domestic violence and had been accused of assaulting his wife and daughter.

The trial was highly publicized in Russia, with many calling for the death penalty for Popkov. However, under Russian law, the death penalty has been abolished for all crimes except treason and espionage.

Popkov was sentenced to life in prison, which is the maximum sentence allowed under Russian law. The sentence was met with relief from the families of the victims, who had been seeking justice for years.

This case highlights the dark side of Russian society and the need for greater attention to be paid to the issue of violence against women. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the Russian justice system in dealing with high-profile cases of this nature.