Maksim Igorevič Asrijan

A 29-year-old nurse from Saint Petersburg. He also worked in the "red zone" during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to his family, Maksim held pacifist beliefs and reacted emotionally to the start of military operations in 2022. According to the prosecution’s version, in October 2022 Asriyan went to the Frunzensky district enlistment office building in Petersburg with flammable liquid, planning an arson attack as a form of protest against the mobilization. Maksim did not set fire to the building and walked away. He himself explained that he changed his mind at the last moment, realizing the risk of causing harm to people.

Maksim was sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of attempted act of terrorism (Art. 205, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and high treason (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Tat’jana Limenja-Osipova

A music teacher from Saint Petersburg and a friend of Maksim Asriyan. She became a defendant in a criminal case after failing to inform authorities of her acquaintance's plans to commit arson. She was found guilty under the article regarding the failure to report a crime (Art. 205.6 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). According to investigation records, on September 30, 2022, Maksim Asriyan told her of his intention to set fire to the commissariat building to obstruct the mobilization process. Asriyan had asked Tatyana to buy flammable liquid, but she did not do so. Later, he sent her a message saying the arson attempt had failed, but she still did not go to the police.

Tatyana received a fine of 40,000 rubles (approximately 400 euros) for failing to report a crime in preparation.

Berdjugin Danil Aleksandrovič

Born on December 9, 2003, a resident of the Novosibirsk region, a second-year medical college student. On October 20, 2022, Danil boarded an electric train to Novosibirsk, the same one he usually took to reach the medical college where he studied. Without informing his parents of his plans, instead of going to college that day he continued his journey, changing trains for Moscow. According to Danil's mother, Yuliya, he had already informed her during the journey that he intended to go "to the front to help the wounded."

Yuliya believed that he actually wanted to meet his girlfriend in Ukraine, but he did not tell his parents. Danil had, in fact, met a girl from Kyiv through an online game about two years before his arrest, in 2020. A friendship had blossomed between them and they had maintained intense online contact. After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they had naturally discussed the war as well.

On October 24, an agent of the Novosibirsk FSB service arrived at the Berdyugins' home and announced that Danil had been arrested at Kursk station.

Subsequently, Berdyugin was accused of attempted illegal border crossing (Art. 30, paragraph 3 and Art. 322, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and preparation for state treason (Art. 30, paragraph 1 and Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Investigators stated that Berdyugin allegedly attempted to join the "Freedom of Russia" Legion. His criminal case is completely classified.

On August 3, 2023, the Kursk Regional Court sentenced Danil to 6 years in a strict-regime colony with one year of restriction of liberty.

The human rights project "Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Egorova Ekaterina Andreevna

Born on February 25, 1996, a Russian citizen, resident of the Transbaikalia Territory, married to a Ukrainian citizen, university graduate, and holder of a Ukrainian residence permit.

Ekaterina Egorova was arrested while crossing the border, as she attempted to leave the Russian Federation. According to law enforcement, she allegedly "repeatedly transferred money from her bank account for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU)."

Egorova was charged with high treason in the form of "providing financial assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of the Russian Federation" (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

She was sentenced to 12 years in a general-regime colony with a fine of 200,000 rubles (approximately 2,000 euros) and 1 year of restriction of liberty after her release.

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized her as a political prisoner, highlighting the lack of public evidence and the controversial interpretation of financial assistance as "treason."

Tat’jana Valer’evna Laletina

An artist and student from Tomsk, born on February 19, 2003. On February 24, 2022, the day of the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Tatyana transferred 10 dollars (about 770 rubles) from her Sberbank card to a Ukrainian fund.

Two years later, on February 26, 2024, law enforcement officers showed up at Tatyana's home. She managed to call a friend and tell her that someone was knocking loudly on her door. Laletina was arrested. The girl's mother, who lives in Kamchatka, was informed of her daughter's arrest by a neighbor.

After examining Laletina's phone correspondence with her best friend, who lives in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, investigators discovered another transfer of 20 dollars (about 1,600 rubles), made by Laletina in April 2022. According to the prosecution's case, the funds were intended for the purchase of equipment and supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).

Tatyana was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of high treason (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Eva Vladislavovna Bagrova

Born on May 30, 2008, a student from Saint Petersburg.

In December 2024, while attending the eighth grade at School No. 162, Eva posted photographs of the leaders of the "Russian Volunteer Corps" (RDK), Denis Kapustin and Aleksey Levkin, on the school bulletin board titled "Information from the ODN Inspector." Under the photos, she added the captions: "Hero of Russia" and "Deserving Hero of Russia." Initially, she was charged with "justification of terrorism." Later, the charge of "abetting terrorist activity" was added.

In court, Eva stated that, after her arrest, she was interrogated without the presence of a legal representative and threatened with torture, being shown photographs of beaten people. Her nineteen-year-old brother, Danila Bagrov, had previously been sentenced to 9 years for attempting to join the RDK (preparation for state treason).

Eva was sentenced to 4 years of detention in a juvenile correctional colony on the charge of justification of terrorism. At the time of her arrest, the girl was only 16 years old.

Berkovich Evgenija Borisovna

Born on April 29, 1985, lived in Moscow, theater director, member of Kirill Serebrennikov’s “Studio Seven” theater company, mother of two adopted daughters, one of whom was a minor at the time of the arrest.

The reason for the criminal proceedings was the play “Finist, the Brave Falcon” based on the work of Svetlana Petriychuk, which Evgeniya Berkovich staged with her own theater project “Soso’s Daughters.” The play tells the stories of Russian women who met radical Islamists online and left for Syria to join them. In 2022, the production received two “Golden Mask” awards. According to the prosecution, the play about Russian women recruited by the Islamic State—an organization banned in Russia—contains “elements of justification of terrorism.”

Evgeniya was sentenced to five years and seven months of imprisonment in a general-regime colony for public appeals to terrorism and the justification or propaganda of it committed via media or the internet (Art. 205.2, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). In the colony, Berkovich works in the sewing and cutting department. In June 2025, the colony administration officially banned her from any creative activity: she cannot direct or stage plays even within the framework of prison cultural activities.

Dar’ja Aleksandrovna Kozyreva

An activist from Saint Petersburg, born on October 7, 2005. In December 2022, while still a high school student, Dar’ja wrote the phrase “Murderers, you bombed it. Judas” on the “Two Hearts” installation (a symbol of the friendship between Saint Petersburg and Mariupol) in Palace Square. Proceedings for intentional damage to property were initiated, and the girl was expelled from the faculty of medicine at Saint Petersburg State University.

In February 2024, on the anniversary of the start of military operations, Dar’ja pasted a poster with an excerpt from the poem “Testament” (“Zapovit”) onto the monument to Taras Shevchenko in Saint Petersburg:

 “Bury me, then rise and fight, 

Break your chains in glee 

And with the evil tyrant’s blood

 Sprinkle liberty.”

She was charged with “repeatedly discrediting the army.” Later, a second episode was added to the case—for an interview given to the outlet “Sever.Realii,” in which she explained her position.

On April 18, 2025, the Petrogradsky District Court sentenced her to 2 years and 8 months in a general-regime colony for discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Art. 280.3, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and intentional damage to property (Art. 167, Part 1). Thanks to the calculation of time spent in the SIZO (where one day equals one and a half days in a colony), she served her full sentence and left the colony on the morning of March 18, 2026.

Human rights organizations, including “Memorial” and Amnesty International, had recognized her as a political prisoner and a prisoner of conscience.

Julija Aleksandrovna Koveshnikova

Born on September 2, 1978. A resident of Melitopol, a Ukrainian citizen, and the wife of a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Yuliya remained in the city after its occupation by Russian troops to care for her pets. She dedicated herself to volunteer activities, helping search for missing Ukrainian soldiers, and openly expressed pro-Ukrainian views. Before her arrest, she worked as a controller in a foundry and, after a hand injury, focused on her home and the production of plush toys. Yuliya was abducted by Russian military personnel in Melitopol in early April 2023 directly from the street while on her way to the market. For nearly a year, her family did not know her place of detention.

According to the prosecution's version, from June 2022 to January 2023, she transmitted information regarding the deployment and movements of Russian troops in the Zaporizhzhia region to her husband (a soldier in the Armed Forces of Ukraine).

On June 7, 2024, the Zaporizhzhia Regional Court sentenced her to 13 years in a general-regime colony for espionage (Art. 276 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized her as a political prisoner.

Fail' Fattachovič Alsynov

Born on December 7, 1986. A Bashkir activist and public figure. He was the co-chairman of the organization “Bashkort” (banned in the Russian Federation as extremist) and one of the leaders of the successful protests to save the Kushtau shihan in 2020.

On January 17, 2024, the Baymak District Court sentenced him to 4 years in a general-regime colony.

The reason for his arrest was a speech he gave at a rural assembly in the village of Ishmurzino in April 2023 against gold mining. An expert assessment deemed the expression “kara khalyk,” which Alsynov had used in reference to migrant workers, as offensive. The activist himself insists that in the Bashkir language this means “simple people” (literally—“black people”).

The reading of the sentence in January 2024 sparked mass protests in Baymak, which became among the largest in Russia in recent years. Thousands of people gathered in front of the court, leading to clashes with law enforcement and the opening of numerous criminal cases against the protesters (the “Baymak case”).

Tachir Ravil’evič Arslanov

Born on July 15, 1956. A retiree from Novosibirsk, before his arrest he worked as a radio electronics engineer and led a private life, never having been a public activist.

The reason for his arrest was two comments in a VKontakte group, written in 2022. In one, he defined Russia's actions as a "war of conquest," while in the second (after the mobilization announcement) he expressed himself emotionally regarding the need for protests and the burning of enlistment offices. Arslanov explained his harsh statements as being due to severe stress: at the beginning of the conflict his daughter was in Kyiv and for a long time he had not heard from her. It was reported that during the search, members of the security forces killed the retiree's cat, an act he interpreted as intimidation.

The court sentenced Arslanov to 2 years and 10 months of imprisonment in a general-regime colony on charges of public appeals for extremist activity (Art. 280, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), terrorist activity (Art. 205.2, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), and mass riots (Art. 212, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

During the trial, Takhir stated that he "might not make it out" of the colony due to his age and health conditions. It is known that during his detention he was repeatedly sent to the SHIZO (punishment isolation cell) "for a lack of restraint in his words."

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" included him in the lists of political prisoners.

Mikhail Vyacheslavovich Afanasyev

Born on July 12, 1976. A famous Khakas journalist, editor-in-chief of the online magazine “New Focus,” and father of five children. Over his long career, he has twice won the Andrei Sakharov Award “For Journalism as an Act of Courage.”

He was found guilty of spreading “fake news” about the Russian army using his professional position (Art. 207.3, paragraph 2, letter “a” of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The reason was an article he wrote in “New Focus” in April 2022 concerning members of the Khakassia OMON unit who had refused to participate in combat operations in Ukraine after the first casualties.

He was sentenced to five years and six months in a general-regime colony, with a ban on engaging in journalistic and editorial activities for 2.5 years after his release.

Mikhail Afanasyev continues to maintain contact with the outside world through letters. In February 2026, the newspaper “Novaya Gazeta” published an additional article based on his correspondence from prison. In September 2024, while already detained, Afanasyev was honored with the international Free Media Awards for his courage and commitment to independent journalism.

The human rights project “Memorial” has included him in the lists of political prisoners.

Igor Lazarevich Baryshnikov

Born on January 20, 1959. A civil activist from Sovetsk, in the Kaliningrad region.

He was convicted for publications on Facebook regarding the events in Bucha and Mariupol, the bombings of civilians, and the sinking of the cruiser "Moskva." On June 22, 2023, the court sentenced him to 7 years and 6 months in a general-regime colony for spreading "fake news" about the army motivated by political hatred (Art. 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The case gained significant attention due to Baryshnikov's serious health conditions: he was diagnosed with a prostate adenoma with suspected cancer. For a long time, he was held in the colony with a cystostomy. In September 2024, he underwent surgery to remove the adenoma. In 2025, a worsening of his condition was reported: chronic cystitis developed, and Igor nearly lost sight in his right eye. In July 2025, he was sent to the SHIZO (punishment cell) twice, an action the defense described as unacceptable given his medical status. Igor's mother died one month after the sentencing—the court did not allow him to attend the funeral.

The human rights project "Memorial" has included him in the lists of political prisoners.

Vadim Dmitrievich Kobzev

Born on March 9, 1983. A lawyer who for many years defended Aleksei Navalny. Prior to his legal career, he worked as an investigator for particularly important cases in the Investigative Committee. Married and a father of three minor children.

He was arrested on October 13, 2023, along with his colleagues Aleksei Liptser and Igor Sergunin. According to the prosecution's version, the lawyers allegedly used their professional status to transmit information between Navalny and his supporters in freedom.

On January 17, 2025, the Petushkinsky District Court sentenced Vadim Kobzev to 5 years and 6 months in a general-regime colony for participation in an "extremist community" (Art. 282.1, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The court also banned him from practicing law for 3 years after his release.

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Nadežda Fyodorovna Buyanova

Born on March 19, 1956, in Lviv (Ukrainian SSR). A Moscow pediatrician with over forty years of experience.

The reason for her arrest was a report filed by a military widow: she claimed that during a visit to Polyclinic No. 140, the doctor told her 7-year-old son that his deceased father was "a legitimate target for Ukraine" and that Russia is an aggressor. No direct audio or video evidence was presented; the prosecution relied on the testimony of the mother and child. The defense argued that the doctor had been defamed.

On November 12, 2024, the Tushino District Court sentenced her to 5 years and 6 months in a general-regime colony for "fake news" about the army (Art. 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The court also banned her from medical activity for several years.

Hundreds of doctors stood in her defense, signing open letters. Due to her age (70 years old), family members and lawyers have expressed serious concern regarding her health.

The human rights project "Memorial" has recognized her as a political prisoner.

Aleksandr Mikhailovich Byvshev

Born on April 18, 1972. A poet and former rural teacher from the village of Kromy, in the Orel region. A “record holder” for the number of criminal cases—persecution for his poems about the war began as early as 2014; in total, at least 14 proceedings have been initiated against him.

This time, the reason was a poem containing the line “Where is your Russian Stauffenberg?” (a reference to the author of the assassination attempt on Hitler)—which the investigation interpreted as an incitement to the murder of the president. Furthermore, he was charged for publishing photographs of a destroyed village near Kyiv, where his aunt lived.

On March 19, 2024, the 2nd Western District Military Court sentenced him to 7 years in a general-regime colony for incitement to terrorism (Art. 205.2, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and “fake news” about the army (Art. 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The court also banned him from administering internet resources for 3 years after his release.

The human rights project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial” has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Sergej Valentinovich Klokov

Born on May 18, 1984. A former Moscow police captain and the first defendant in Russia in a "fake news" case to be sent to a SIZO. Born in the city of Bucha, in the Kyiv region. Father of three minor children.

His phone had been under wiretap since 2022 as part of an old case involving the murder of police officers—unrelated to politics. The basis of the criminal proceedings consists of three private telephone conversations with friends and colleagues in March 2022, in which he emotionally discussed army casualties and the events in the Kyiv region. The investigation considered these private conversations as "public" dissemination because they had been listened to by the investigator.

The court sentenced him to 7 years in a general-regime colony for "fake news" about the army (Art. 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), stripped him of the rank of captain, and banned him from working in state bodies for 4 years.

The human rights project "Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Aleksandr Prokop’evich Gabyshev

Born on November 22, 1968. He is best known as the “Yakut shaman.” In 2019, he announced a march on foot from Yakutsk to Moscow with the goal of performing a ritual to expel Putin, gaining widespread notoriety.

Criminal proceedings were initiated against him for public appeals for extremism (Art. 280 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and for the use of violence against a National Guard officer during his arrest (Art. 318 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Since 2021, the courts have repeatedly declared him unfit to stand trial and have sent him to high-security psychiatric hospitals—specifically in Novosibirsk and Ussuriysk.

On March 26, 2026, the Supreme Court of Yakutia extended his mandatory treatment for another 6 months. Doctors justified his “social danger” in part by citing his “tendency toward isolation.” By the beginning of 2026, the shaman reached five consecutive years of stay in psychiatric institutions.

Human rights organizations, including “Memorial” and Amnesty International, recognize him as a political prisoner and highlight the resurgence of the practice of “punitive psychiatry.”

Maksim Kirillovich Lypkan’

Born on February 10, 2005. The youngest defendant in criminal proceedings for “fake news about the army” in Russia. Before his arrest, he was an active participant in protests in Moscow; he had been interested in politics since the age of 16 and planned to enroll in law school.

He was arrested on February 21, 2023—just a few days after turning 18. The grounds for the case were posts published on Telegram, an interview with “Radio Liberty,” and an attempt to organize an anti-war demonstration titled “Year of Hell” in Lubyanka Square.

On February 19, 2024, the court exempted him from criminal responsibility, declaring him “unfit to stand trial,” and ordered mandatory treatment in a specialized psychiatric hospital. His lawyers have reported severe psychological and physical pressure on the young man and a deterioration of his condition due to prolonged isolation.

In 2023, he received the Boris Nemtsov Prize for Courage.

The human rights project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial” has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Maria Aleksandrovna Makhmutova

Born in 1990. An activist and blogger from Shelekhov (Irkutsk region), she managed a blog about fitness and sports (MMA) and worked in the field of nutrition.

In June 2025 (on Russia Day), Maria posted a video on Instagram in which she harshly criticized the holiday and the participants of the war. For the video alone, the court imposed an administrative fine of 45,000 rubles. The criminal case, however, was initiated due to clashes with law enforcement: according to the investigation, she allegedly insulted a traffic police inspector on social media and, during her arrest, reportedly bit an undercover officer and kicked a female police officer.

On November 6, 2025, the Kirovsky District Court of Irkutsk sentenced her to 2 years and 7 months in an open-regime colony for the use of violence against a representative of the authorities (Art. 318, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and for publicly insulting one (Art. 319 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

In February 2026, the human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" recognized Maria Makhmutova as a political prisoner, considering the criminal proceedings a reaction to her anti-war statements.

Evgenij Yuryevich Melikhov

Born on February 17, 1994. A resident of Chelyabinsk, he worked as a technician in a public utility company and cared for his elderly grandmother.

The reason for his arrest was comments published in September 2023 in Telegram channels under news reports about the war. Specifically, under a report regarding power outages in Ukraine, he had written "Death to Putin." According to the investigation, this constituted an appeal for the physical elimination of the country's leadership. During the trial, Melikhov admitted to writing the comments but explained that he did so in a state of high emotional stress and without any real intention of inciting violence.

On June 27, 2024, the Central District Military Court sentenced him to 5 years and 6 months in a general-regime colony for incitement to terrorism (Art. 205.2, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The court also banned him from administering websites and channels for 3 years.

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Makar Dmitrievich Nikolaev

Born on June 23, 2004. A student from Ufa, he was studying political science at Goethe University Frankfurt in Germany. During his school years, he won a national competition by developing a methodology for researching information on relatives who died during the Great Patriotic War.

The reason for his arrest was three comments made in 2023 under Instagram posts by the "Freedom of Russia" Legion and the "Russian Volunteer Corps," in which he called the fighters "heroes of the new Russia." He was arrested by FSB agents on August 30, 2024, in Ufa, where he had returned from Germany for summer vacation with his parents.

On May 16, 2025, the Central District Military Court sentenced him to 6 years in a general-regime colony for incitement to terrorism (Art. 205.2, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). He has been included in the Rosfinmonitoring list of terrorists and extremists.

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Danil Valerievich Golikov

Born on November 11, 1995. A PhD student at the Higher School of Economics and a junior researcher at the State Historical Museum specializing in history, he also worked as a tutor.

On the night between March 10 and 11, 2024, Golikov and his colleague Andrei Kozlovsky scattered flowers and damaged vases at a spontaneous memorial "in memory of all those who fell during the Russian Spring and the SVO" (Special Military Operation) on Varvarka Street in Moscow. During the investigation, Golikov admitted to the acts but denied any intention of offending the memory of the deceased.

On November 18, 2024, the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months; however, on July 8, 2025, the Moscow City Court reduced the sentence to 2 years in an open-regime colony for damaging commemorative structures (Art. 243.4, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), excluding the charge of vandalism as redundant.

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner, emphasizing that the spontaneous memorial is not an official monument and that the damage was fully compensated.

Ibragim Mubarizovich Orudzhev

Born on June 1, 2001. A fourth-year student at Belgorod State University in the "Translation and Translation Studies" program.

He was arrested in November 2023 in Moscow while photographing the opening hours of the military enlistment office on Dmitry Ulyanov Street. The investigation claimed he was conducting reconnaissance to set the building on fire with a "Molotov cocktail." Ibrahim has not admitted guilt: according to him, he was photographing the sign so he could register for military service, which he had been unable to do for years due to bureaucratic difficulties. He reported the use of torture and physical pressure following his arrest.

On October 31, 2024, the 2nd Western District Military Court sentenced him to 16 years of imprisonment (including 3 years in prison) for training for terrorism (Art. 205.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and preparing a terrorist act (Art. 205, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Artemij Romanovich Ostanin

Born on March 18, 1996. A Russian stand-up comedian, he lived in Moscow, performed in clubs, and managed a YouTube channel.

The proceedings were initiated in March 2025 following reports from activists of the "Zov Naroda" movement. The grounds were two monologues: a joke about a legless person in the subway, whom he had jokingly described as having "jumped on a mine" (the investigation interpreted this as mockery of "SVO" participants, although no military operations were mentioned in the act), and a sketch featuring an imaginary dialogue with Jesus Christ. Artemy was arrested in Belarus while attempting to leave Russia. According to the comedian and his defense, he was brutally beaten and tortured with electric shocks during his arrest, resulting in a spinal fracture.

On February 4, 2026, the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow sentenced him to 5 years and 9 months in a general-regime colony and a fine of 300,000 rubles for incitement to hatred (Art. 282, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and offending the feelings of believers (Art. 148, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project "Memorial" and Amnesty International have recognized him as a political prisoner.

Aleksandr Vitalyevich Sarbaev

Born on September 8, 1981. A philologist and former senior warehouse manager for a commercial company in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. He was interested in psychology, medieval French literature, and the popularization of science.

In February 2022, he transferred approximately 400 rubles (about 4–5 euros) which, according to the investigation, were intended for Ukrainian military medics. He did not hide his anti-war stance. In letters from the SIZO, he shared how he kept himself in shape through reading and physical exercise despite the difficult conditions. He emphasized that even his court-appointed lawyer "shows no interest" in his case.

On December 23, 2025, the Central District Court of Komsomolsk-on-Amur sentenced him to 14 years in a strict-regime colony, a fine of 400,000 rubles, and 1.5 years of restricted freedom for high treason (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Grigorij Aleksandrovich Skvortsov

Born on December 29, 1989. A famous industrial photographer from Perm, urban climber, and musician; he is the founder of the industrial band Jagath.

The reason for the legal proceedings was the transmission of materials regarding Soviet underground bunkers to an American journalist: specifically, scans of a book by historian Dmitry Yurkov and additional photographs purchased by the author from declassified archives. Both the defense and Skvortsov argued that all materials were in the public domain: the book was freely sold on online platforms, and the documents had been declassified decades earlier. He stated that he was subjected to physical violence by law enforcement officers to extract a confession.

On June 26, 2025, the Perm Regional Court sentenced him to 16 years in a strict-regime colony and 1 year of restricted freedom for high treason (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial” has recognized him as a political prisoner, calling the case “one of the most absurd” due to the use of publicly accessible sources as evidence of treason.

Ksenija Sergeevna Garina

Born on July 1, 1997. A resident of Tulun, in the Irkutsk region, she worked in a security agency and was a volunteer for the human rights project "Antipytki" (Anti-torture). She leaves behind a four-year-old son and a mother suffering from an oncological illness.

She was arrested in October 2024 on charges of involvement in an "extremist community." Subsequently, charges were added for inciting the "disorganization of the work of correctional colonies" and for assault—due to the publication of the names of inmates who collaborated with the administration. In December 2025, when her pre-trial detention for the first case was expiring and she was due to be released, she was re-arrested directly at the gates of the SIZO. She was then hit with a new charge—financing extremism: six transactions totaling 993 rubles (approx. 10 euros) sent to the founder of the project. The defense maintains that the money was intended to cover postal expenses for sending letters to her husband.

Ksenia faces up to 12 years of imprisonment based on the combination of charges (Art. 282.1, 282.3, 321, 116 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project "Memorial" has recognized her as a political prisoner.

Danièl' Cholodnyj

Born on September 21, 1997. Former technical director of the "Navalny LIVE" YouTube channel and a graduate of the Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation with an IT specialization.

He was found guilty of participating in an "extremist community" and financing extremism through the abuse of his professional position. On August 4, 2023, he was sentenced to 8 years in a general-regime colony and 1 year of restricted freedom (Art. 282.1 Part 2 and Art. 282.3 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The court also banned him from publishing content on the internet for 4 years.

In August 2024, his name was discussed during a major prisoner exchange between Russia and the West; however, he was excluded from the lists at the last moment. In his final statement, he emphasized that he had refused to provide the investigation with the testimony requested against his friends.

Human rights organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner.

Èduard Valer'evič Šarlot

Born on February 7, 1998. A popular singer and actor.

The grounds for the proceedings were videos published on social media in which he burned his Russian passport, tore up a portrait of the president, and parodied the song "Victory Day." He was arrested in November 2023 immediately upon his return to Russia from Armenia. Prior to this, he had publicly expressed repentance for his actions and had asked Patriarch Kirill for forgiveness.

On December 27, 2024, the Samara Regional Court sentenced him to 5 years and 6 months of imprisonment for the rehabilitation of Nazism (Art. 354.1, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and offending the feelings of believers (Art. 148, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Initially sent to an open-regime colony, his status was later changed to general-regime due to disciplinary violations.

In February 2026, it was reported that Eduard is actively working in the prison club, performing concerts for other inmates, and demonstrating discipline.

The human rights project "Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Aleksej Moskalëv е Marija Moskalëva

The case of the Moskalevs has become one of the most high-profile in Russia. It began in the spring of 2022, when Masha, a sixth-grade student, drew an anti-war picture during an art class. Following this, her father, Aleksei, was accused of "discrediting" the army due to comments on social networks. While Aleksei was under arrest and later in flight, Masha was sent to an institution, and attempts were made to limit the father's parental rights.

Aleksei Moskalev was sentenced to 1 year and 10 months of imprisonment (Art. 280.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and was released from the colony on October 15, 2024, after serving his full sentence. After his release, he reported that law enforcement continued to show interest in the family.

After reuniting with her father, Masha followed distance learning. Due to the risk of further persecution, the family decided to leave the country. In March 2026, they arrived in Paris, obtaining protection from the French authorities with the assistance of human rights defenders.

Nadin Gejsler (Nadežda Alekseevna Rossinskaja)

Born on April 8, 1996. A volunteer from Belgorod and founder of the "Army of Beauties" movement. After February 2022, her movement assisted Ukrainian refugees, evacuated people and animals from combat zones, and delivered humanitarian aid. According to media reports, the movement helped more than 25,000 people.

In May 2023, she left for Georgia due to threats, but she returned in February 2024 to assist with a difficult evacuation and was arrested at the station. According to the investigation, she allegedly published a post on Instagram calling for the collection of funds for the "Azov" regiment. Nadin denies the charges, stating that she did not create that account. Her lawyer has argued that the evidence was falsified.

On June 20, 2025, the 2nd Western District Military Court sentenced her to 22 years in a general-regime colony and a fine of 320,000 rubles for high treason, aiding terrorist activity, and calls for activities against state security (Art. 275, 205.1, 280.4 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation)—one of the harshest sentences ever imposed on a woman in contemporary Russia.

The human rights project "Memorial" has recognized her as a political prisoner.

Aleksandra Skočilenko

Born on September 13, 1990. An artist and musician from Saint Petersburg.

In March 2022, Sasha replaced five price tags in a "Perekrestok" supermarket with anti-war flyers containing information about the deaths in Mariupol. On November 16, 2023, the court sentenced her to 7 years in a general-regime colony for "fake news" about the army (Art. 207.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The trial garnered widespread attention due to Sasha’s serious health conditions (celiac disease and a heart defect), which made her detention in a SIZO life-threatening.

Aleksandra was released on August 1, 2024, as part of a major prisoner exchange between Russia, the United States, and European countries, after spending more than two years in custody. She moved to Berlin and returned to her artistic career. In April 2026, she performed at the "Freedom Zone" festival in Leipzig.

Human rights organizations recognized her as a prisoner of conscience and a political prisoner.

Ksenija Belousova

A 27-year-old Muscovite who worked as a hookah attendant in a lounge.

On the night between April 13 and 14, 2026, she posted a video on social media showing her smoking a hookah where the base was made out of a Paschal cake (kulich), with the caption: “Even Christ wouldn’t be able to resist something like this.” The video was noticed by pro-government bloggers and Telegram channels. Ksenia deleted the video and posted an apology; however, she was quickly arrested.

On April 15, 2026, the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow imposed a pretrial restrictive measure prohibiting certain actions. The investigation is evaluating her conduct under the article regarding offending the feelings of believers (Art. 148, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), which carries a sentence of up to 1 year of imprisonment.

Svetlana Igorevna Savel'eva

Born on March 20, 1986. A translator from the Angarsk district in the Irkutsk region.

According to Svetlana and her mother, she attempted to illegally cross the border in the Kursk region to reunite with her fiancé, Alexander Chekhotka, a Ukrainian citizen she had met online. However, according to the investigation, she had allegedly undergone military training in Kazakhstan and planned to enlist in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). At the time of her arrest in October 2024, photographs of railway stations and correspondence with a Ukrainian serviceman were found on her phone. Her mother and human rights defenders reported that after her arrest, she was subjected to torture, including electric shocks and beatings, to extract a confession.

On April 1, 2026, the Kursk Regional Court sentenced her to 15 years of imprisonment in a general-regime colony for attempted high treason (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has included her in its list of political prisoners.

Alina Azatovna Nevmjanova

Born in 2004. A resident of Moscow.

On March 15, 2024, the first day of the presidential elections, 20-year-old Alina poured a green antiseptic solution (zelyonka) into a ballot box at a polling station in the Lianozovo district. During the trial, she stated that she had been a victim of phone scammers: the perpetrators, posing as employees of the FSB and the Central Bank, allegedly convinced her to take out loans and then go to the polling station with the antiseptic, supposedly to "identify forgeries." The chairperson of the election commission confirmed in court that the ballots remained legible after the substance dried and were subsequently counted.

On September 16, 2024, the Butyrsky District Court sentenced her to 1 year in an open-regime colony for obstructing the exercise of electoral rights (Art. 141 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). She was released in the courtroom, as the 6 months she spent in the SIZO (pre-trial detention center) were counted using the "one day for two" formula.

Vladimir Evgen'evič Kuprin

Born on August 28, 1998. A resident of the village of Sukhoborskoe in the Kurgan region, with a secondary education.

In the autumn of 2022, he reshared two videos on "VKontakte": a recording of an attack on Kyiv and a message from Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed to the Russian people. The investigation classified these actions as the dissemination of "deliberately false information" about the military.

The court sentenced him to 5 years of imprisonment in a general-regime colony for the public dissemination of "fake news" regarding the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Art. 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized him as a political prisoner.

Vitalij Krivošlyk

Born in Kharkiv, he lived for a time in the border village of Hoptivka in the Kharkiv region (which was under Russian control at the time of the events). He was involved in business activities and served several terms as a deputy of the Tokarevka rural council. He obtained Russian citizenship a few years ago.

According to the investigation, in February 2022, he allegedly transmitted data regarding the movement of Russian military equipment in the Belgorod region to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). He was arrested by FSB agents in March 2022. Prior to the formal filing of charges in May 2022, he was held for more than two months in an undisclosed location. In court, he admitted guilt and expressed remorse; however, human rights defenders point to signs of pressure and a lack of transparency throughout the trial.

He was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months of imprisonment in a strict-regime colony for high treason (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Human rights organizations, including "Memorial," have recognized him as a political prisoner.

Antonina Jur'evna Kravcova (Favorskaja)

Born on December 4, 1989. A resident of Moscow, she is a trained actress and a journalist for SOTAvision. She covered the trials of Alexei Navalny and other political prisoners. Notably, she captured the last video footage of Navalny the day before his death.

In April 2025, the Nagatinsky District Court of Moscow sentenced her to 5 years and 6 months in a general-regime colony for participation in the activities of an "extremist community" (FBK) through the preparation of photo and video materials (Art. 282.1, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). The journalist and her colleagues maintain that she was performing exclusively professional work.

While in detention, she has actively fought for the rights of inmates: she filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the "torturous" conditions of transport in prison vans. In November 2025, the court partially granted her claims, ordering the ministry to pay 10,000 rubles in compensation.

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has recognized her as a political prisoner.

Leonid Maksimovič Kac

Born in 2003. A talented mathematician, graduate of the "Intellektual" school, and a multi-time Olympiad winner. At the HSE (Higher School of Economics), he conducted research in bioinformatics and the mathematical processing of brain data. In 2021, while still a minor, he was detained during protest rallies.

On September 30, 2025, he was kidnapped by unidentified individuals while on his way to the airport—he had intended to leave for France to pursue a Master's degree at Paris-Saclay University. Prior to the formal filing of charges, he was subjected to four consecutive administrative arrests under various pretexts. According to media reports, during the first 24 hours following his abduction, he was tortured with electric shocks and beaten to force him to sign blank sheets of paper. The grounds for the case were donations made to a charitable fund that helps Ukrainian children.

He is accused of high treason (Art. 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), which carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment. The investigation is ongoing, and the case materials are classified.

The human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" has officially recognized him as a political prisoner.

Anastasija Gennad'evna Djudjaeva

Born in 1977. A decorative artist from Gatchina.

According to the investigation, she and her husband distributed flyers in a "Lenta" supermarket featuring poems in the Ukrainian language, containing the slogan "Slava Ukraini!" and the phrase "Putin to the gallows!" Djudyaeva did not admit guilt, stating in her final word that she was being prosecuted for her artistic activities.

On July 18, 2024, she was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in an open-regime colony for public calls for terrorism (Art. 205.2, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Her husband, 65-year-old artist Alexander Dotsenko, who was sentenced to 3 years in the same case, died of a heart attack in the colony on February 19, 2026. The administration denied Anastasia the opportunity to attend her husband's funeral.

While in detention, she continues her artistic work, illustrating a Finnish alphabet book. Her works are exhibited in international exhibitions dedicated to protest art.

Artëm Jur'evič Kamardin

Born in 1990. A Moscow-based poet, engineer, and civil activist.

On September 25, 2022, he participated in the "Mayakovsky Readings" at the monument to the poet in Moscow, where he recited anti-war poetry. The following day, law enforcement officers raided his apartment. According to reports from his lawyers, Artyom was brutally beaten and subjected to sexual violence; he was then forced to apologize on camera.

On December 28, 2023, the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow sentenced him to 7 years in a general-regime colony and a fine of 500,000 rubles for incitement to hatred (Art. 282, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and calls for activities against state security (Art. 280.4, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

In the colony, he works in textile production for 11 hours a day, 6 days a week. He complains of constant back pain and numbness in his leg; he requires an MRI and, potentially, spinal surgery—obtaining adequate medical care within the federal penitentiary system is extremely difficult.

Human rights organizations, including "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" and Amnesty International, have recognized Artyom Kamardin as a prisoner of conscience and a political prisoner.

Aleksej Aleksandrovič Gorinov

Born on July 26, 1961. A resident of Moscow, deputy of the Council of Deputies of the Krasnoselsky municipal district, activist of the "Solidarnost" movement, university-educated, and married.

The grounds for the criminal proceedings were a statement made during a council meeting on March 15, 2022. While discussing a plan for recreational activities, the deputy stated: "What kind of children's drawing contest can we talk about when children are dying every day?" — and proposed not to hold entertainment events under wartime conditions. The meeting was video-recorded and published on the internet.

The court sentenced him to 7 years of imprisonment in a strict-regime colony for the dissemination of "fake news" about the army (Art. 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and public calls for terrorism (Art. 205.2, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

In August 2024, his name was discussed during a prisoner exchange between Russia and the West; however, he was excluded from the lists at the last moment.