We consider Aleksandr Bakhtin a political prisoner

An animal rights activist from the Moscow region was sentenced to 6 years in prison for posting about Russian war crimes

The ‘Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Aleksandr Bakhtin a political prisoner. He is being prosecuted under the article on the dissemination of ‘fake’ news about the use of the Russian army on the grounds of hatred for posting about Russian war crimes in Ukraine. The criminal case against Bakhtin violates his right to freedom of speech and is designed to silence Russia’s critics of the war against Ukraine.

We demand the immediate release of Aleksandr Bakhtin and that all criminal charges against him be dropped, as well as the discontinuation of all criminal cases under unconstitutional Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Who is Aleksandr Bakhtin and what is the case against him?

Aleksandr Bakhtin is a 52-year-old resident of Mytishchi in the Moscow region. He has a degree in music and is an animal rights activist.

Bakhtin is accused of posting three publications about Russian war crimes against civilians in Ukraine on his personal page on VK, a social media network popular in Russia.

In his posts, Bakhtin called Putin ‘the worst enemy of humankind’, wrote about the killings of his fellow animal rights activists in Ukraine, and cited testimonies of survivors including Yevhen Synelnykov, the host of the popular Ukrainian travel TV show ‘Oryol & Reshka’ (‘Heads and Tails’ in English), about the horrors of the Russian occupation.

According to Russia’s security services, the criminal case against Bakhtin was initiated under the article on the dissemination of ‘fake’ news about the Russian army (Article 207.3, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code).

On 2 March 2023, Bakhtin’s flat was searched, and he was placed into custody.

On 11 August 2023, a court in Mytishchi convicted Bakhtin as charged and sentenced him to 6 years of imprisonment in a general regime penal colony.

Why do we consider Aleksandr Bakhtin a political prisoner?

We have repeatedly pointed out that Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code contradicts the Russian Constitution, Russia’s international obligations, and basic principles of law. It criminalises almost any criticism of the invasion of Ukraine and the actions of the Russian army.

It is clear to us that the limitations on the freedom of expression under Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code do not contribute to the interests of public safety, the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. These limitations are manifestations of censorship.

Bakhtin, as well as many other defendants in similar cases, does not deny the authorship of his publications. He is convinced that he reported reliable information based on witnesses’ accounts and supported by photo and video materials. He expressed his opinion on the current events and the negative role of Vladimir Putin in history realising his right ensured by the Russian Constitution and international law.

More information on 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’ project agrees with, or approves of their views, statements, or actions.

How can you help?

You can write to Aleksandr Bakhtin at the following address:

In Russian: 143600, Московская область, г. Волоколамск, ул. Горвал, д. 6, ФКУ СИЗО-2 УФСИН России по Московской области, Бахтину Александру Сергеевичу 1971 г. р.

In English: Aleksandr Sergeevich Bakhtin (born 1971), Remand Prison No. 2, Russian Federal Penitentiary Service for the Moscow region, 6 Gorval Street, Volokolamsk, 143600, Russia

You can also send an electronic letter via Zonatelecom and F-pismo.ru.

Here you can donate to support all political prisoners in Russia.