Dmitry Goldychev is a political prisoner
A St Petersburg resident has been sentenced to 13 years in a strict regime penal colony for attempting to join the Free Russia Legion
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Dmitry Goldychev a political prisoner. For corresponding with the Free Russia Legion and attempting to enter Ukraine from Belarus, Goldychev was convicted on charges of ‘attempting to commit treason’ and ‘attempting to participate on the territory of a foreign state in an armed group not provided for by the legislation of that state for purposes contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation.’ Goldychev’s prosecution and conviction violated his right to a fair trial. We demand that Goldychev be immediately released and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Dmitry Goldychev?
On 3 June 2023, Dmitry Goldychev was detained by Belarusian border guards near the border with Ukraine. He was then deported to Russia where, on 11 June, a court in Smolensk remanded him in custody.
Initially, Goldychev was charged with ‘preparing to participate in an armed group not provided for by the legislation of that state, for purposes contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation’ (Article 30, Part 1, in conjunction with Article 208, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code). He had allegedly sent an application form to the Free Russia Legion, purchased medical supplies and equipment, and intended to cross the border into Ukraine.
Nine months later, Goldychev was additionally charged with ‘attempted treason’ (Article 30, Part 3, in conjunction with Article 275). Shortly before Goldychev’s trial, the original charges were also toughened, and preparing to ‘participate in an armed group not provided for by the legislation of that state for purposes contrary to the interests of the Russian Federation’ was reclassified as an attempt to do so (Article 30, Part 3, in conjunction with Article 208, Part 2).
The trial was held behind closed doors. On 29 May 2024, Goldychev was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment, with the first four years to be served in a cell-type prison and the remainder in a strict regime penal colony, a fine of 200,000 roubles, and 18 months’ probation on release. On 5 December 2024, the sentence was upheld on appeal.
Why do we consider Dmitry Goldychev a political prisoner?
We believe Goldychev’s actions did not constitute a criminal offence.
Under international law, Russia’s war against Ukraine is illegal and criminal, while Ukraine’s actions in defending itself against aggression are lawful and justified. Therefore, assisting Ukraine in defending itself from aggression is not, in itself, directed against the security of Russia and there are no grounds to prosecute Goldychev on a charge of attempted treason.
The Free Russia Legion is a unit of the Ukrainian armed forces engaged in defending the country from Russian aggression, not an ‘armed group not provided for by the legislation’ of Ukraine. Participation in the Free Russia Legion does not run counter to the interests of Russia; what does run counter to those interests is the war of aggression initiated by Russia’s leadership.
In terms of international law, the only prohibited form of foreign participation in hostilities is mercenarism. The activities of members of the Free Russia Legion do not fall under his definition.
Dmitry Goldychev was sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment solely for intending to join the Free Russia Legion. We consider the punishment grossly disproportionate to the alleged public danger of his actions.
A detailed description of Dmitry Goldychev’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 Dmitry Goldychev at the following address:
RU: 600020, г. Владимир, ул. Большая Нижегородская, д. 67, ФКУ Т-2 УФСИН России по Владимирской области, Голдычев Дмитрий Валентинович, 1972 г. р.
EN: Dmitry Valentinovich Goldychev (born 1972), Prison No. 2, Federal Penitentiary Service for Vladimir Oblast, 67 Bolshaya Nizhegorodskaya Street, Vladimir, 600020, Russia.
You can also send an email using ZT (for payment with all bank cards), OVD-Info 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.
