Maksim Kuznetsov is a political prisoner
A Volgograd resident faces up to eight years’ imprisonment for communicating with a foreigner
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international criteria, considers Maksim Kuznetsov a political prisoner. Kuznetsov is being prosecuted on a charge of collusion with a representative of a foreign organisation or state for the purpose of assisting in activities known to be directed against the security of Russia. Kuznetsov’s criminal prosecution violates his rights to a fair trial and freedom of expression. We demand that Maksim Kuznetsov be immediately released and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What are the charges against Maksim Kuznetsov?
The criminal case against Maksim Kuznetsov became known in early April 2025. He was accused of collusion with a foreign state or organisation (Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code). The maximum sentence for this offence is eight years’ imprisonment.
Kuznetsov has been remanded in custody. His trial began on 28 April 2025 in Volgograd Oblast Court, but the details of the charges against him have not yet been disclosed.
Why do we consider Maksim Kuznetsov a political prisoner?
Despite the lack of information about the charges against Maksim Kuznetsov, we believe his prosecution is political in nature.
The offence of ‘collusion’ was adopted into law in July 2022 against the backdrop of the war against Ukraine and growing Russian isolationism. It has become an additional instrument for political repression in Russia. The law’s provisions criminalise any communication between Russian citizens and foreigners if, in the opinion of the prosecution, it is directed against the security of the state. The offence of ‘collusion’ applies not to specific actions, but merely to an alleged intention to ‘facilitate’ some undefined ‘activity’. This article of the Russian Criminal Code should be rescinded, and all related criminal cases closed.
While we do not know the exact grounds for Kuznetsov’s prosecution, if his actions had posed a real threat to the state or society, he would have been charged with a more serious offence. Prosecution for the offence of ‘collusion’ with foreigners indicates that Kuznetsov’s actions posed no such threat.
A detailed description of Maksim Kuznetsov’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?
If you have any information about Maksim Kuznetsov’s date of birth or about his prosecution, please send it to us by email: [email protected]
You can write to Maksim Kuznetsov at the following address:
RU:
400066, г. Волгоград, ул. Голубинская, д. 3, ФКУ СИЗО-1 УФСИН России по Волгоградской области, Кузнецов Максим Викторович, 1990.
EN:
Maksim Viktorovich Kuznetsov, Remand Prison No. 1, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Volgograd Oblast, 3 Golubinskaya Ulitsa, Volgograd, 400066, Russia.
You can also send emails via the ZT service (for payment with Russian bank cards).
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.
