Sergei Mazin is a political prisoner
A builder from Vologda Oblast has been sentenced to 18 months’ compulsory work for reposting two videos
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Sergei Mazin a political prisoner. Mazin was convicted on a charge of repeatedly ‘discrediting’ the Russian armed forces online for reposting videos on the VK social media site. His criminal prosecution and conviction violated his rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial. We demand the release of Sergei Mazin and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Sergei Mazin?
Sergei Mazin, from the town of Totma in Vologda Oblast, created a group on VK called Life in Totma Inside Out, where he posted various texts and videos, including some critical of the war against Ukraine. On 11 May 2023 he was fined 30,000 roubles for the administrative offence of publicly ‘discrediting’ the Russian armed forces on grounds he reposted an anti-war video in this group.
Shortly afterwards, Mazin was charged with the criminal offence of publicly ‘discrediting’ the army (Article 280.3, Part 1, of the Russian Criminal Code). The charge was based on two reposts of videos to the same group in June and November 2023. The court claimed these videos contained ‘information about the incompetence of the military leadership’ and ‘heavy casualties among Russian military personnel,’ as well as allegations of ‘attacks on civilians in Ukraine and also calls to refuse to take part [in the war].’
Before the trial, Mazin was placed under travel restrictions. He agreed to a plea bargain and pleaded guilty.
On 25 December 2024, Sergei Mazin was sentenced to 18 months’ compulsory work at a correctional centre, with 5% of his wages withheld in favour of the state.
Why do we consider Sergei Mazin a political prisoner?
The offence of repeated ‘discrediting’ of the army was introduced into Russian law after the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine, specifically to target anti-war dissent. It effectively bans any criticism of the war or the Russian authorities and therefore violates the right to freedom of expression.
The article on repeated ‘discrediting’ of the army contradicts fundamental principles of law, including that of legal certainty, and should be rescinded. All criminal convictions brought under it — including that of Sergei Mazin — should be quashed and all ongoing prosecutions dropped.
We do not know the exact content of the videos Mazin reposted on VK. However, the very fact that he was prosecuted under this unlawful article demonstrates that his actions posed no danger to society.
A detailed description of Sergei Mazin’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 donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
