Sergei Drugov is a political prisoner

The civil society activist from Petrozavodsk was sentenced to two years’ compulsory work on a charge of ‘rehabilitation of Nazism’

The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Sergei Drugov a political prisoner. Drugov has been prosecuted and convicted on a charge of ‘rehabilitation of Nazism’ for reposting a text critical of the cult of the Soviet victory in World War II. Drugov’s prosecution and conviction violate his right to freedom of speech and fair trial. We demand that Sergei Drugov be released and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.

Who is Sergei Drugov and what were the charges against him?

Sergei Drugov is a blogger and civic activist from Petrozavodsk who spoke out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On 5 May 2022, Drugov reposted on his Telegram channel a publication from a group called Feminist Anti-War Resistance that criticised the cult of Soviet victory in World War II during the war against Ukraine and called for 9 May to be marked by events of public mourning. Drugov soon deleted his channel.

Nevertheless, in September 2022, a criminal case was opened against him on a charge of ‘rehabilitation of Nazism,’ specifically, ‘dissemination of information manifestly expressing disrespect for society about the days of military glory and memorable dates of Russian history related to the defence of the Homeland’ (Article 354.1, Part 4, of the Russian Criminal Code).

On 17 September 2022, Drugov’s home was searched. On 19 September, he tried to leave Petrozavodsk but was detained. He was then prohibited from leaving his hometown until his trial was over.

Drugov decided to plead guilty, wrote a confession, and filed a petition for passing a sentence without conducting the judicial proceedings. However, his petition was ignored.

On 25 July 2023, Sergei Drugov was sentenced to two years’ compulsory work with 10% of his salary withheld by the state.

Why do we consider Sergei Drugov a political prisoner?

We consider the article of the Russian Criminal Code on ‘rehabilitation of Nazism’ unreasonably restricts freedom of speech and contradicts both international and Russian law. The law on ‘rehabilitation of Nazism’ criminalises the expression of opinion about past events and prohibits criticism of official symbols.

Drugov’s post was a repost of a publication by another Telegram channel. At the same time, his publication had no negative social consequences and could not have had any. Drugov’s text contains no disrespect for society. On the contrary, his post discusses socially important issues and proposes solutions useful to society.

At the same time, the expert Aleksandr Ilyin, whose opinion formed the basis of the charges against Drugov, is not only an adherent of militaristic views but has also explicitly justified violation of the law to achieve political goals.

It should be noted separately that Sergei Drugov does not consider himself a political prisoner.

A detailed description of Sergei Drugov’s case 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.

How can you help?

You can write to Sergei Drugov at the following address:

In Russian: 186420, Республика Карелия, г. Сегежа, ул. Лейгубская, зд. 1а, ФКУ Исправительный Центр №1 УФСИН России по Республике Карелия, Другову Сергею Андреевичу 1998 г. р.

English translation: Sergei Andreevich Drugov (born 1998), Correctional Centre No. 1, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Republic of Karelia, 1a Leigubskaya Street, Segezha, Republic of Karelia, 186420, Russia.

Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the recipient.

You can donate to support all political prisoners in Russia.