There is also a big difference between smuggling in some weed, and spreading the propaganda of an invading army while on the defenders side of the line. Coach was lucky they just gave him probation, a tracking collar, and an order to shut the fuck up after that. Deciding to skip the country, while publicly declaring that intention, while still IN the country was just a terminal case of the stupid.
Did he deserve to die for that? Really depends on how you consider his actions, such as aiding an enemy power take over your host nation. Albeit, in a stupid and retarded way that probably didn't accomplish much. I think at the end of the day, the Prison guards just didn't give a shit about the foreign sex tourist who wanted to shill for Putin, and he died of neglect rather then over torture or being shot. Is that better or worse? Again, subjective and the answer to which probably depends on what side of the argument you are on.
But unifying it all is the true maxim. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.