Vladimir Belkovich is a political prisoner
A college student from Irkutsk Oblast has been sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment for putting up flyers on the instructions of the Free Russia Legion
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Vladimir Belkovich a political prisoner. Belkovich was convicted on charges of treason, preparing to participate in the activities of a terrorist organisation, and involving another person in terrorist activities, for putting up flyers allegedly on behalf of the Free Russia Legion. The prosecution and conviction of Belkovich violated his right to a fair trial. We demand that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Vladimir Belkovich?
Vladimir Belkovich, a 21-year-old from the town of Tulun in Irkutsk Oblast, was detained on 20 June 2025 for putting up flyers featuring a white-and-blue flag, a clenched fist and the words ‘Freedom of Russia.’ He was sentenced to 15 days’ detention on an administrative-law charge of displaying banned symbols.
In court, Belkovich explained he had put up the flyers on the instructions of a representative of the Free Russia Legion, whom he met online. Furthermore, Belkovich had suggested an acquaintance also put up flyers.
As a result, three criminal charges were brought against Belkovich for treason (Article 275 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), preparation for participation in a terrorist organisation (Article 30, Part 1, CC RF in conjunction with Article 205.5, Part 2, CC RF) and involvement of another person in terrorist activities (Article 205.1, Part 1.1, CC RF).
On 22 May 2024, a military court sentenced Vladimir Belkovich to 13 years’ imprisonment, with the first three years to be served in a cell-type prison and the remainder in a strict regime penal colony.
Why do we consider Vladimir Belkovich a political prisoner?
There is no criminal offence in Belkovich’s collaboration with the Free Russia Legion, even if such did in fact take place. The ruling by the Russian Supreme Court designating this unit of the Ukrainian armed forces a terrorist organisation is unlawful. This decision was not made in connection with any specific terrorist activity, but solely on the basis of criminal cases against Russian citizens for attempting to join the Legion and disseminating information about it.
Putting up flyers and suggesting to an acquaintance that they should join should also not constitute grounds for prosecution, let alone such a harsh sentence. These are actions that do not threaten Russia’s security, as required by the law on treason, and do not constitute terrorism.
A detailed description of Vladimir Belkovich’s case and of our position is available on our website.
How can you help?
You can write to Vladimir Belkovich at the following address:
RU:
Российская Федерация, 663180, Красноярский край, г. Енисейск, ул. Декабристов, д. 11, ФКУ Т-2 ГУФСИН России по Красноярскому краю, Белькович Владимир Анатольевич, 2004 г. р.
EN:
Vladimir Anatolyevich Belkovich (born 2004), Prison No. 2, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Krasnoyarsk Krai, 11 Dekabristov Street, Yeniseysk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, 663180, Russia.
You can also send emails via F-Pismo (for payment with Russian bank cards), 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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