Velimor Merkulov is a political prisoner
A mountaineer was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment on charges of treason and justifying terrorism
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Velimor Merkulov a political prisoner. Merkulov was convicted of treason and public justification of terrorism for alleged cooperation with Ukrainian intelligence agencies and online comments about the attack on the Crimean Bridge. Merkulov’s prosecution and conviction violated his rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Velimor Merkulov and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Velimor Merkulov?
Velimor Merkulov, a resident of the city of Zlatoust in Chelyabinsk Oblast, worked as an electrician at a factory. His hobby was mountaineering. In July 2022, he was detained in Bashkortostan while attempting to climb Mount Yamantau. A Ukrainian flag was found on Merkulov, which his young companion had planned to raise at the summit. Merkulov was released at that time, however in November 2023 he was detained again on charges of treason and justifying terrorism.
The investigative authorities alleged that Merkulov established contact with Ukrainian intelligence agencies and, on their instructions, called on mobilised Russians to surrender. These actions were classified as treason (Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) for ‘providing other assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of the Russian Federation.’ In addition, he was accused of ‘justifying terrorism’ for an online comment about the attack on the Crimean Bridge.
On 1 March 2024, a military court sentenced Velimor Merkulov to 13 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 roubles.
Why do we consider Velimor Merkulov a political prisoner?
We consider both charges brought against Velimor Merkulov unfounded. Calls for Russian military personnel to surrender cannot be considered a threat to Russia’s national security. A refusal to participate in a war of aggression, including by surrendering, is essentially an act beneficial to society. The real threat to Russia’s security comes from the war unleashed by Russia’s government.
The Crimean Bridge is a dual-purpose facility that can be considered a legitimate military target. Moreover, it is a symbol of the occupation and annexation of Crimea. The attack on the bridge was not a terrorist attack, but an episode in combat operations that are part of Ukraine’s legitimate self-defence. Merkulov’s statements did not contain any justification of violence. He merely exercised his right to freedom of expression.
The prosecution of Velimor Merkulov was retribution for his anti-war stance intended to intimidate those Russians who oppose the war against Ukraine.
A detailed description of Velimor Merkulov’s case and of our position is available on our website.
How can you help?
You can write to Velimor Merkulov at the following address:
RU:
454038, г. Челябинск, ул. Монтажников, д. 7а, ФКУ ИК-2 ГУФСИН России по Челябинской области, Меркулов Велимор Валерьевич, 1991 г.р.
EN:
Velimor Valeryevich Merkulov (born 1991), Penal Colony No. 2, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Chelyabinsk Oblast, 7a Montazhnikov Street, Chelyabinsk, 454038, 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.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
