Aleksei Dekhonov, Ivan Shcherbakov, and Maksim Podterebkov are political prisoners
Residents of Khabarovsk Krai, Krasnoyarsk Krai, and Khakassia have been sentenced to terms of up to 13 years in strict regime penal colonies for financing the Ukrainian armed forces
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Aleksei Dekhonov, Ivan Shcherbakov, and Maksim Podterebkov political prisoners. The three men were convicted of treason for making money transfers to the Ukrainian armed forces. The criminal prosecutions and convictions of Aleksei Dekhonov, Ivan Shcherbakov, and Maksim Podterebkov violated their rights to a fair trial. We demand the release of the three men and the dropping of all criminal charges against them.
What were the charges against Aleksei Dekhonov, Ivan Shcherbakov, and Maksim Podterebkov?
Aleksei Dekhonov, Ivan Shcherbakov and Maksim Podterebkov were detained in the summer and autumn of 2024 on charges of treason. According to the prosecution, all three had transferred sums of money to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Ivan Shcherbakov from Kansk in Krasnoyarsk Krai took an interest in the activities of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and participated in a rally in support of Aleksei Navalny in 2021. He was charged with making two money transfers to Ukraine. According to available information, charges were only brought against him six weeks after his detention. What happened to him during those six weeks is not known.
Aleksei Dekhonov from Komsomolsk-on-Amur transferred about 4,000 roubles in cryptocurrency ‘to purchase weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian army.’ He was initially detained on charges of petty hooliganism. Only after he had been jailed for this administrative-law offence (and possibly jailed more than once) was he remanded in custody on the criminal charge. After sentencing, Dekhonov was additionally fined for the administrative-law offence of discrediting the army.
Maksim Podterebkov from Abaza in Khakassia travelled to Turkey after mobilisation began in 2022. The investigative authorities claimed that while in Turkey Podterebkov participated in a fundraiser to purchase a minibus for the Ukrainian armed forces. Podterebkov was arrested on his return to Russia.
On 5 March 2025 Podterebkov was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment. On 27 March 2025, Aleksei Dekhonov was sentenced to a term of 13 years’ imprisonment. Ivan Shcherbakov’s sentence, also of 13 years, was handed down on 6 October 2025. All three men are to serve their sentences in strict regime penal colonies
Why do we consider Aleksei Dekhonov, Ivan Shcherbakov, and Maksim Podterebkov political prisoners?
Even if Dekhonov, Podterebkov and Shcherbakov did transfer money to the Ukrainian armed forces, they should not face criminal prosecution. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression is not a crime and does not pose a threat to Russia’s security. Therefore, such action does not justify a charge of treason. Our position on this matter is outlined in more detail here.
The prosecutions and convictions of Dekhonov, Podterebkov and Shcherbakov are intended to intimidate all Russian citizens who oppose Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Detailed descriptions of the cases of Aleksei Dekhonov, Maksim Podterebkov and Ivan Shcherbakov are available on our website.
How can you help?
You can write to them at the following addresses:
RU:
Российская Федерация, 676910, Амурская область, Ивановский р-н, с. Среднебелая, ул. Герки Рулёва, д. 2, ФКУ ИК-3 УФСИН России по Амурской области, Дехонов Алексей Алексеевич, 1998 г. р.
EN:
Aleksei Alekseevich Dekhonov (born 1998), Penal Colony No. 3, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Amur Oblast, 2 Gerki Rulyova Street, Srednebelaya, Ivanovsky district, Amur Oblast, 676910, Russian Federation.
RU:
Российская Федерация, 677911, Республика Саха (Якутия), с. Табага, ул. Каландаришвили, д. 2, ФКУ ИК-7 УФСИН России по Республике Саха (Якутия), Щербаков Иван Алексеевич, 1998 г. р.
EN:
Ivan Alekseevich Shcherbakov (born 1998), Penal Colony No. 7, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), 2 Kalandarishvili Street, Tabaga, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), 677911, Russian Federation.
RU:
Российская Федерация, 652051, Кемеровская область, г. Юрга, ул. Окрайная, д. 1, ФКУ ИК-41 ГУФСИН России по Кемеровской области, Подтеребков Максим Иванович, 1995 г. р.
EN:
Maksim Ivanovich Podterebkov (born 1995), Penal Colony No. 41, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Kemerovo Oblast, 1 Okraynaya Street, Yurga, Kemerovo Oblast, 652051, Russian Federation.
You can also send emails via ZT (for payment with all bank cards) and Memorial-France (free of charge).
Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the intended recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
