Dmitry Protopopov, Artyom Vakhlyaev and Pavel Ivanov are political prisoners
Three employees of the publishing house Individuum Print have been charged with extremist activity as members of the so-called ‘international LGBT movement’ for distributing books
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international criteria, considers Dmitry Protopopov, Artyom Vakhlyaev and Pavel Ivanov political prisoners. The three men are being prosecuted on a charge of ‘organising the activities of an extremist organisation using their official position’ for distribution of books with an LGBT theme. Their prosecution violates their right to a fair trial. We demand the release of Dmitry Protopopov, Artyom Vakhlyaev and Pavel Ivanov and that all criminal charges against them be dropped.
What are the charges against the publishers?
On 14 May 2025 law enforcement officers searched the offices of the publishing house Eksmo and the apartments of a number of employees, seizing more than 1,000 copies of books. According to the authorities, some of the books distributed by the publisher Individuum Print, which is owned by Eksmo, contained elements of propaganda for the ‘international LGBT movement.’
On 15 May 2025, the executive director of Individuum Print, Dmitry Protopopov, warehouse manager Artyom Vakhlyaev, and former sales director Pavel Ivanov, were placed under house arrest on charges of ‘organising the activities of an extremist organisation using their official position’ (Article 282.2, Part 3, of the Russian Criminal Code).
According to the prosecution, the three men ‘for motives of profit, published and sold books promoting the activities of the LGBT movement, designated an extremist organisation in Russia.’ The Investigative Committee has not specified which specific books relate to the charge. However, according to some reports, one of the books was the novel Pioneer Summer (Russian: Лето в пионерском галстуке) by Elena Malisova and Katerina Silvanova. Before bringing the charges, law enforcement officers gathered evidence about the distribution of ‘LGBT literature.’
On 8 July 2025, the court extended the house arrest of the three defendants until 13 November 2025. If convicted, they face up to 12 years’ imprisonment.
Why do we consider Dmitry Protopopov, Artyom Vakhlyaev and Pavel Ivanov political prisoners?
We consider the decision of the Supreme Court, designating the non-existent ‘International Non-Governmental LGBT Movement’ as extremist, as unlawful. Human rights defenders have previously pointed out that this decision paves the way for prosecutions of LGBTQ+ activists and organisations defending LGBTQ+ people.
There is no evidence of a crime in the actions of Dmitry Protopopov, Artyom Vakhlyaev and Pavel Ivanov. The publishing house’s employees were engaged in legitimate activities within the scope of their professional duties.
According to the investigative authorities, persons who read books about LGBTQ+ people may become participants in the extremist ‘International LGBT Movement’. We consider this position of the investigators unfounded and absurd. Publishing and selling books do not, and cannot, have anything to do with the activities of this non-existent organisation.
A detailed description of the case of Dmitry Protopopov, Artyom Vakhlyaev and Pavel Ivanov 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.
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