Vladimir Garmash is a political prisoner
A resident of Krasnoyarsk Krai has been sentenced to three years in a penal colony for damaging street recruitment advertisements for the war against Ukraine
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Vladimir Garmash a political prisoner. Garmash was convicted on a charge of publicly ‘discrediting’ the Russian armed forces, causing damage to property for defacing advertisements promoting contractual military service in the war against Ukraine. Garmash’s criminal prosecution and conviction violated his right to a fair trial. We demand the release of Vladimir Garmash and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Vladimir Garmash?
According to the investigative authorities, in June 2024, Vladimir Garmash from Zheleznogorsk in Krasnoyarsk Krai rode around the city on a bicycle and damaged propaganda posters advertising military service in the war against Ukraine. The city government assessed the damage at 29,375 roubles.
On 22 August 2024, a criminal case was opened against Garmash for publicly ‘discrediting’ the Russian army, resulting in property damage (Article 280.3, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code). Garmash paid compensation for the damage and pleaded guilty in court. He explained his actions as the result of a nervous breakdown, his unwillingness to kill people in war, and a desire to protest. Several of his acquaintances had died in the war in Ukraine. ‘My mother raised me on her own. It so happened that she taught me nothing is more valuable than human life. I grew up and have lived my life in that knowledge,’ Garmash said.
On 9 December 2024, Vladimir Garmash was sentenced to serve three years in a general regime penal colony, and his bicycle was confiscated as the ‘instrument of the crime.’ On 18 February 2025, the verdict was upheld on appeal.
Why do we consider Vladimir Garmash a political prisoner?
The offence of publicly ‘discrediting’ the Russian army was introduced into the Russian Criminal Code following the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and serves as a tool to suppress dissent. In practice, this law bans any criticism of the war or of the authorities, in violation of the right to freedom of expression.
This article of the Criminal Code contradicts fundamental principles of law, in particular the principle of legal certainty. It should be rescinded, and all cases brought under it should be closed.
An anti-war position is beneficial for society and should not be punished, especially not under criminal law. Garmash’s prosecution under an unlawful article of the Criminal Code is part of the authorities’ broader strategy to intimidate opponents of the war of aggression.
In addition, we believe the legal classification of Garmash’s actions was incorrect. His aim was not to ‘discredit’ the Russian military, while the financial damage caused to the city government was minimal.
A detailed description of Vladimir Garmash’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 of, their views, statements, or actions.
How can you help?
You can write to Vladimir Garmash at the following address:
Ru: 660111, Красноярск, ул. Кразовская 10, ФКУ ИК-31 ГУФСИН России по Красноярскому краю, Гармашу Владимиру Александровичу 1985 г. р.
En: Vladimir Aleksandrovich Garmash (born 1985), Penal Colony No. 31, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Krasnoyarsk Krai, 10 Krazovskaya Street, Krasnoyarsk, 660111, Russia.
You can also send emails via ZT (for payment with Russian 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 recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
