Islam Zakirov is a political prisoner
A Moscow battle rapper of Kyrgyz origin has been sentenced to 20 months in a penal colony for inciting hatred against Russians
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Islam Zakirov a political prisoner. Zakirov was convicted on a charge of inciting hatred or enmity with a threat of violence for words he had used during a performance. Zikrov’s prosecution and conviction violated his right to fair trial. We demand his immediate release and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
Who is Islam Zakirov and what were the charges against him?
Islam Zakirov, an 18-year-old Russian citizen of Kyrgyz origin, participated in rap battles in Moscow under the stage name Retsidiv.
On 18 November 2023, Retsidiv performed at the Moscow rap event BRP Battle. Right-wing vigilante groups and media drew attention to the rapper’s punchline: ‘I’m beating up on a pregnant Russian — it’s a pre-emptive strike. I don’t give a fuck because I’m a young Kyrgyz, drinking kumis.’
After the video of his performance was published, calls spread online to report Zakirov to the Investigative Committee and demand the opening of a criminal case against him.
On 17 December 2023, Zakirov, then 17 years old, was arrested. In two videos published online, Zakirov apologised, stating that he was born and spent most of his life in Russia and did not intend to insult or denigrate anyone on the basis of nationality.
The following day, Zakirov was remanded in custody on a charge of publicly inciting hatred and enmity, denigrating the dignity of a group of people based on their gender and nationality with a threat of violence (Article 282, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code). According to the prosecution, the rapper ‘publicly made a statement containing calls to engage in acts of violence, with a negative assessment of, and a negative attitude towards, Russians.’ The prosecution argued that Zakirov ‘knew in advance’ that the video of his performance would be published online.
On 22 October 2024, Zakirov was sentenced to 20 months in a penal colony.
Why do we consider Zakirov a political prisoner?
We consider Zakirov’s statement rude and inappropriate. However, we believe that he did not call for people to engage in acts of violence and did not intend to incite interethnic hatred.
Zakirov participated in a rap battle, a format where rappers are not expected to restrict their choice of words. The goal of a rap battle is to provoke the opponent, to make them lose their composure, often by using provocative language and insults.
The artistic nature of Zakirov’s expression does not exempt him from legal responsibility. Nevertheless, when assessing the danger to society of statements it is important to consider not only the form of speech but also its content and context. Zakirov’s words remain within the bounds of the specific norms of rap battle culture.
We believe the classification of Zakirov’s actions as inciting enmity or hatred with a threat of violence is erroneous. In reality, the rapper did not call for anyone to engage in violence. If his words constituted incitement of hatred or enmity, but nothing more, he could be subject to prosecution under administrative law, but without criminal liability.
The campaign of harassment against Zakirov is primarily on account of his ethnic origin.
A more detailed description of Islam Zakirov’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 Islam Zakirov at the following address:
In Russian:
127081, г. Москва, ул. Вилюйская, д. 4, ФКУ СИЗО-5 ГУФСИН России по г. Москве, Закирову Исламу Бакытовичу 2006 г. р.
In English:
Islam Bakytovich Zakirov (born 2006), Remand Centre No. 5, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Moscow, 4 Vilyuyskaya Street, 127081, Moscow, Russia.
You can also send an email via F-Pismo and ZT (for payment with Russian cards), or PrisonMail (for payment with other 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.
