Denis Trufanov is a political prisoner
He has been sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment in a penal colony for spreading ‘fake news’ about Russia’s army
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Denis Trufanov a political prisoner. Trufanov has been convicted on charged of spreading so-called ‘fake news’ about Russia’s army for a post on the Internet. Trufanov’s criminal prosecution and conviction violate his rights to freedom of expression and fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Denis Trufanov and that all criminal cases against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Denis Trufanov?
Denis Trufanov is a member of the Krasnoyarsk Krai Mountaineering Federation and a local historian. After the beginning of the Russian full-scale aggression against Ukraine, he often participated in discussions on different social media platforms. Supposedly, his online posts on social media were the very reason for initiating a criminal case against him. He was charged with spreading ‘knowingly false’ information about Russia’s army (Article 207.3, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code).
On 1 July 2024, Denis Trufanov was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment in a general-regime penal colony. Trufanov was taken into custody in the courtyard.
Why do we consider Trufanov a political prisoner?
The offence of spreading information known to be false about the Russian army was added to the Russian Criminal Code immediately after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. It effectively prohibits any criticism of the Russian authorities or military, in violation of the civil right to freedom of expression. This law also contradicts the Russian Constitution, and therefore any charges brought under it are unlawful.
We do not know exactly which of Trufanov’s posts led to his prosecution. Yet, he has been prosecuted for his criticism of Russia’s war against Ukraine. In our view, making anti-war statements and raising awareness of war crimes cannot be regarded as criminal acts. These actions are beneficial to society, and therefore Trufanov’s statements should not be grounds for his criminal prosecution.
A detailed description of Denis Trufanov’s case 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?
You can write to Denis Trufanov at the following address:
In Russian: 655017, Республика Хакасия, г. Абакан, кв. Молодёжный, 11, ФКУ ИК-35 УФСИН России по Республике Хакасия, Труфанову Денису Александровичу 1981 г. р.
In English: Trufanov Denis Aleksandrovich (born 1981), Penal colony No. 35, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Republic of Khakassia, 11, kv. Molodyozhny, Abakan, 655017, Russia
You can also send an e-mail via ZT (for payments with Russian cards), OVD-Info and Memorial-France (free of charge).
Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
