Olga Archibasova — a political prisoner
Activist from Altai Krai remanded in custody over a music video for the song ‘The Internationale‘
Olga Archibasova is a civic activist from the village of Soloneshnoye in Altai Krai and a supporter of Svetlana Lada-Rus (Peunova). She has opposed the abolition of local self-government, rising utility tariffs, and digitalization, supported farmers, and reported on events in the Oblast. Her Telegram channel contains many posts supporting imprisoned female supporters of Lada-Rus. In particular, Archibasova attended court hearings in the case of Altai activist Aruna Arna, who was sentenced to five years in prison for posting music videos featuring the songs ‘The Internationale’ and ‘Warszawianka.’ Shortly before her arrest, Olga reported that the administration of the lyceum attended by her daughter had threatened students with being sent to the ‘SMO’ (Russia’s euphemism for the war against Ukraine).
On August 4, 2026, Archibasova was detained, and a search of her home lasted about five hours. The authorities seized 140,000 rubles and her bank cards. On August 6, a court ordered the activist to be remanded in custody for one and a half months, despite Olga being a mother of three children.
A criminal case was opened against Archibasova under Part 2 of Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code. According to the investigation, in September 2025 she posted videos containing calls to terrorist activity on a public channel. According to the defense, the case was prompted by a music video featuring a cover version of ‘The Internationale.’ The video can no longer be found on her Telegram channel.
The posting of music videos featuring slightly modified versions of ‘The Internationale’ and Warszawianka’ — apparently the same two videos — has already led to the prosecution of several supporters of Lada-Rus. We found no calls for violence, armed struggle, or terrorism in the video attributed to Archibasova. Nor are there any such calls in her other posts. The case concerns peaceful political activity, criticism of the authorities, and abstract calls to fight injustice.
A detailed description of Olga Archibasova’s case and of our position is available on our website.
How can you help?
You can write to Olga Archibasova at the following address:
Ru:
659326, Алтайский край, г. Бийск, ул. Антона Чехова, д. 2, СИЗО-2 УФСИН России по Алтайскому краю, Арчибасовой Ольге Борисовне, 1984 г. р.
En:
Olga Borisovna Archibasova (born 1984), Remand Prison No. 2, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Altai Krai, 2 Anton Chekhov Street, Biysk, Altai Krai, 659326, Russia.
You can also send emails via ZT (for payment with all bank cards) and Memorial-France (free of charge).
Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the intended recipient.
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