Igor Yakunichev is a political prisoner
The resident of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug faces 15 years’ imprisonment on four criminal charges for publishing anti-war videos
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Igor Yakunichev a political prisoner. Yakunichev is being prosecuted on criminal charges of ‘spreading information known to be false about the Russian army, ‘repeated ‘discrediting’ of the army, ‘public justification and propaganda of terrorism,’ and ‘calling for people to engage in activities against the security of Russia’ for videos he posted on YouTube. Yakunichev’s prosecution violates his rights to freedom of expression and fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Igor Yakunichev, that all criminal charges against him be dropped, and that his beating by police officers at the time of his arrest be investigated.
What are the charges against Igor Yakunichev?
Igor Yakunichev is a plumber and street sweeper from the village of Pangody in the Nadym district of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. He runs a YouTube channel where he posts videos about abuses by the local police and judiciary, as well as content opposing Russia’s war on Ukraine. He also shared videos on his page on the VK social media site.
In June 2023, Yakunichev’s home was searched, during which he was assaulted by police officers and detained on charges of spreading ‘fake news’ about the military (Article 207.3, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code). Pending trial, Yakunichev was initially banned from using the internet. However, on 1 April 2024 he was sent for a compulsory psychiatric examination and on 3 May he was remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, additional criminal charges were laid against Yakunichev for his online posts. By the time his case was referred to court, he faced four charges. The charges of spreading ‘fake news’ and repeated ‘discrediting’ of the army were based on videos in which he spoke about crimes committed by Russian soldiers. He was also charged with justifying terrorist activity for videos about the Free Russia Legion (Article 205.2, Part 2). We do not know the grounds for the charge of ‘publicly calling for people to engage in activities against Russia’s security’ (Article 280.4, Part 2). In total, the charges concern at least 14 videos posted on VK.
Yakunichev’s trial began in January 2025. He faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted on all charges. Yakunichev finds conditions in the remand prison very difficult on account of a fracture of the spine he suffered previously.
Why do we consider Yakunichev a political prisoner?
The criminal offences of ‘spreading information known to be false about the Russian army’ and repeated ‘discrediting’ of the Russian army were introduced into Russian law immediately after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. These laws effectively prohibit any criticism of the Russian authorities or military, in violation of the civil right to freedom of expression. They contradict the Russian Constitution and are, therefore, illegitimate.
The charge of justifying and propagandizing terrorism, based on his publication of videos about the Free Russia Legion, is also illegitimate. We consider the designation of the Free Russia Legion as a terrorist organisation to be unlawful and without grounds. The Free Russia Legion is part of the Ukrainian armed forces, and therefore, Russian volunteers fighting in this unit are not terrorists but combatants.
While we do not know the grounds for the charge of ‘publicly calling for people to engage in activities against Russia’s security,’ judicial practice and the general context of Yakunichev’s prosecution indicate that the charge again concerns his anti-war statements. However, these statements pose no real danger to society.
A detailed description of Igor Yakunichev’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 Igor Yakunichev at the following address:
In Russian:
620024, Екатеринбург, Елизаветинское шоссе, д. 19, ФКУ СИЗО-5 ГУФСИН России по Свердловской области, Якуничеву Игорю Александровичу 1988 г. р.
In English:
Igor Aleksandrovich Yakunichev (born 1988), Remand Prison No. 5, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Sverdlovsk Oblast, 19 Yelizavetinskoe Shosse, Yekaterinburg, 620024, 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.ссии.
