Aleksandr Kharlamov is a political prisoner
A resident of Moscow Oblast has been sentenced to five years in a penal colony for ‘collusion’ with foreigners
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international criteria, considers Aleksandr Kharlamov a political prisoner. Kharlamov was convicted of collusion with a foreign state or organisation. Kharlamov’s prosecution and conviction violated his right to a fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Aleksandr Kharlamov and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Aleksandr Kharlamov?
In November 2023, Aleksandr Kharlamov was detained on a charge of colluding with a foreign state or organisation (Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). We do not know the precise grounds for the charge against Kharlamov. On 29 November 2023 he was remanded in custody.
On 29 October 2024, Aleksandr Kharlamov’s case was referred to Moscow Oblast Court. His trial began on 14 November and took place in camera.
On 24 April 2025, Kharlamov was sentenced to five years in a general regime penal colony and fined 500,000 roubles.
Why do we consider Aleksandr Kharlamov a political prisoner?
The offence of ‘collusion’ with foreigners appeared in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in July 2022 after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It has become one more tool for the regime to use against its critics. The provisions of the law – effectively criminalising any communication between Russian citizens and foreigners – do not comply with the principle of legal certainty. The law penalises no specific actions, but merely an alleged intention to ‘facilitate’ some undefined ‘activity.’ This article of the Criminal Code should be rescinded, and all related criminal cases closed.
While we do not know the exact reason for Kharlamov’s prosecution, if his actions had posed a real threat to the state or society, he would have been charged with a different criminal offence. Prosecution for ‘collusion’ with foreigners indicates that Kharlamov’s actions posed no real threat.
Kharlamov’s trial took place in camera, in violation of his right to a fair trial. We believe this was done to conceal the weakness of the prosecution’s case and to prevent public scrutiny of the proceedings.
A detailed description of the case of Aleksandr Kharlamov and of our position is available on our website.
Recognition of an individual as a political prisoner does not imply the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project agrees with, or approves, their views, statements, or actions.
How can you help?
If you have information as to where Aleksandr Kharlamov is being held, or other information about his prosecution, please send it to us via our Telegram bot or by email: [email protected]
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
