Oleg Valeev is a political prisoner

The Crimean resident has been sentenced to 1.5 years in a low-security penal colony for repeatedly ‘discrediting’ Russia’s military

The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Oleg Valeev a political prisoner. He is being prosecuted for repeatedly ‘discrediting’ the Russian armed forces as he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on social media. Valeev’s criminal prosecution violates his right to freedom of expression and is aimed at intimidating opponents of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

We demand an end to Oleg Valeev’s prosecution and his immediate release.

What is the case against Valeev?

In December 2022, Oleg Valeev from Feodosia was fined 30,000 roubles under the administrative article on ‘discrediting’ the Russian military (Article 20.3.3, Part 1, of the Russian Code of Administrative Offences) for a Telegram post criticising the actions of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.

In March 2023, a criminal case was opened against Valeev under the article on repeated ‘discrediting’ of the Russian military (Article 280.3, Part 1, of the Russian Criminal Code) for ‘ridiculing the equipment of the Russian Armed Forces’ on the Russian social network of VK, as well as for ‘speaking negatively about the participation of the Russian Armed Forces in the special military operation in Ukraine and the political course of the Russian Federation’.

On 2 November 2023, a court in Feodosia sentenced Valeev to 1.5 years in a low-security penal colony.

Why do we consider Oleg Valeev a political prisoner?

Article 280.3, which Valeev is being prosecuted according to, was urgently introduced into the Russian Criminal Code immediately after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022. It effectively prohibits any criticism of the Russian authorities and military actions, thus violating citizens’ right to freedom of expression.

This article contradicts the basic principles of law, in particular, the principle of legal certainty: the Criminal Code does not define the concept of ‘discrediting’, so people cannot know in advance which of their actions are legally punishable. In addition, this article allows referring to an administrative offence, that took place in the past, as grounds for opening a criminal case, imposing a repeated punishment for the same actions, which is prohibited by law.

We do not know exactly which of Valeev’s statements led to the criminal case. But the very fact that Valeev is being prosecuted under Article 280.3 of the Russian Criminal Code shows that he simply expressed his own opinion about the war. Criticising the actions of the authorities and condemning the war is the inalienable right of every citizen.

Further information about this case and the position of the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project 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 donate to support all political prisoners on our website.