All assessments of the criminal prosecution of specific individuals, including the designation of detained persons as political prisoners, reflect the position of our Project. Such assessments are not based on the views and assessments of the individuals being prosecuted, their families, friends or lawyers, and do not imply their consent or approval. The information regarding the facts of specific criminal cases published on our Project’s website has been obtained from public sources and does not imply or require the consent of the individuals mentioned therein or their representatives.

Bontsler Maria Vladimirovna

Date of birth: July 26, 1960 (65 years old)
citizenship: Россия
Occupation: адвокатура; правозащита
Article of the Criminal Code:  275
Form of repression:  pre-trial detention
Pursuit stage:  preliminary investigation
Date of arrest:  May 28, 2025
Current location:  Remand Prison No. 1, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Kaliningrad Oblast

Bontsler Maria Vladimirovna, born July 26, 1960, resident of Kaliningrad, citizen of Russia, human rights activist, lawyer of the Bar Association of the Kaliningrad Oblast.

She was initially charged under Article 275.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ('Cooperation on a confidential basis with a representative of a foreign organisation for the purpose of assisting it in activities knowingly directed against the security of the Russian Federation,' up to 8 years in prison). In March 2026, the charges were reclassified under Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ('High Treason').

Deprived of liberty since May 28, 2025.

 

Новости по теме

14 Jul, 2025 | 12:03

Maria Bontsler is a political prisoner