Legal expert reveals likely sentence YouTube star faces after being denounced by Russian government following arrest
It's not looking good for Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, as the controversial YouTuber faces a stint behind bars in the Philippines.
This isn't the streamer's first run-in with the law, but after filming his antics and posting them online, he could now be in for a lengthy prison sentence as Filipino authorities vow to make an example out of him.
Posting on Kick, allegations against Zdorovetskiy include stealing a firearm, threatening to rob a woman in public, stealing a patrol motorcycle, and raiding a McDonald's kitchen. There's a separate incident where he's said to have harassed and used vulgar language against a surf instructor.
The Russian government has already denounced Zdorovetskiy, and while he's begged for forgiveness, apparently neither the USA nor Russia will take him back.
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Vitaly is thought to be subjected to harsh conditions that include multiple inmates, no air conditioning, and a spend of just $1.20 a day for his meals.
It's thought that authorities could use a special penal code that looks at proof of actions instead of needing proof of malice, and as Zdorovetskiy filmed the whole thing and posted it online, there's plenty of proof.
While it was originally suggested he'd get a minimum sentence of five years when he eventually goes to trial, one legal expert has since passed judgment on what he thinks will happen.
According to Legal Mindset, Zdorovetskiy's attorney has filed for bail, with him potentially getting a smaller sentence than first thought: "If found guilty, he may be facing a sentence of up to 18 months, a year and a half, in the Philippines. So, this is a very important turning point."
There are three counts of 'unjust vexation' against the content creator, with Legal Mindset adding: "The estimate, once again on the low end, is one to three months behind bars, or up to 18 months."
Even though this is far more lenient than a five or three-year sentence, Legal Mindset warns it's 'very easy' to earn a conviction for unjust vexation in the Philippines: "It’s been described as one of the easiest and the most simple things to prove. So, they’re starting with the simplest thing to prove, but that doesn’t prevent them from adding more later.”
In terms of the additional charges, that related to the surfing incident in Boracay.
Legal Mindset then concluded: "Bail is not a right for foreigners in the Philippines."
Zdorovetskiy was previously arrested for climbing the Hollywood Sign, streaking during the NBA Finals, running onto the field of the 2017 World Series, climbing the Pyramids of Giza, and for aggravated battery at Miami Beach.
While he only spent a day in an Egyptian jail, his latest stunt could lead to a much harsher sentencing.