We consider Aleksei Filyugin a political prisoner
A farmer from the Kurgan region was sent to a remand centre for ‘discrediting’ the Russian army and spreading ‘fakes’ about it
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Aleksei Filyugin a political prisoner. He is being prosecuted for voicing his opposition against Russia’s war on Ukraine on social media on the charges of ‘discrediting’ the Russian armed forces and spreading ‘fake news’ about their activities. Filyugin’s prosecution violates his rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial.
We demand the immediate release of Aleksei Filyugin and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What is the case against Aleksei Filyugin?
Aleksei Filyugin is a farmer from the village of Ust-Uyskoe in the Tselinny district, Kurgan region (about 1,670 km southeast of Moscow).
After the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine, he became the only person in his district who was prosecuted for anti-war statements: in June 2022, he was fined for ‘discrediting’ the Russian military (Article 20.3.3, Part 1, of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences) for his posts on VK (a popular social network in Russia).
In June 2023, a criminal case against Filyugin was brought under the articles on repeated ‘discrediting’ of the Russian armed forces (Article 280.3, Part 1, of the Russian Criminal Code) and spreading knowingly false information about the actions of the Russian army (Article 207.3, Part 1, of the Russian Criminal Code). The reason for the initiation of the criminal case against Filyugin was anti-war posts on his page on social media.
On 30 June 2023, he was arrested and placed in a remand centre.
Why do we consider Aleksei Filyugin a political prisoner?
Both Article 207.3 and Article 280.3 of the Russian Criminal Code are unlawful and contradict both Russia’s Constitution and its international obligations.
These articles were added to the Russian Criminal Code to facilitate the crackdown on dissent in the country immediately after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the articles have become key to the military censorship in Russia, as they outlaw almost any criticism of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the actions of the Russian armed forces.
Further information about this case and the position of the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project 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 of their views, statements, or actions.
How can you help?
You can write at the following address (letters must be written in Russian):
In Russian: 640008, г. Курган, ул. Часовая 2-я, д. 46, ФКУ СИЗО-1 УФСИН России по Курганской области, Филюгину Алексею Викторовичу 1990 г. р. (предположительно)
In English: Aleksei Viktorovich Filyugin (supposedly born 1990), Remand Prison No. 1, Russian Federal Penitentiary Service for the Kurgan region, 46 2-ya Chasovaya Street, Kurgan 640008, Russia.
Here you can donate to support all political prisoners in Russia.
