Repression
Activist Freed from Mental Hospital
Roman Nikolaychik has been released from the insane asylum, where he has been held since the start of February.
Feb 28, 2008 | Continued
Human Rights Leader Charged In Libel Case
Lev Ponomarev, a distinguished human rights leader, has been charged in a criminal case after he publicly revealed documentation of abhorrent conditions in Russia’s prison system. Ponomarev called the charges “artificial.”
Feb 26, 2008 | Continued
Activist Detained by Militsiya Suffers Concussion
An activist of the United Civil Front party was detained by militsiya officers in St. Petersburg. After his release, he was diagnosed with a concussion of the brain.
Feb 25, 2008 | Continued
The Senseless Rule of Law
Yulia Latynina writes a scathing analysis of the ongoing crisis in Russia’s North Caucasus region, where “disappearances” and brutal repression are a fact of life, and where little legal recourse exists.
Feb 23, 2008 | Continued
Unwarranted Draft Case Launched Against Opposition Leader
A criminal case for draft dodging has been mounted against Denis Shadrin, an opposition activist and leader of a regional branch of the United Civil Front party.
Feb 21, 2008 | Continued
Army Hazing Victim Dies in Moscow
Roman Rudakov, a private who suffered serious injuries as result of hazing in the Russian army, has died in Moscow after over a year of hospitalization. Rudakov’s case is far from isolated, and the incident demonstrates the horrors of conscription into the Russian military. Details from Yezhednevny Zhurnal.
Feb 18, 2008 | Continued
Russian University Closed Over Electoral Monitoring Course
A top Russian University has been shut by Russian authorities for claims that its buildings pose a “fire risk”. University staff believe the real reason for its closure is an electoral monitoring program offered at the school.
Feb 12, 2008 | Continued
Russian Authorities Pledge to Transfer Aleksanyan (updated)
Officials at Russia’s Federal Prison Service have promised to move Vasily Aleksanyan to a specialized clinic, although to time-table has been set. The move comes after mounting domestic and international criticism of the inadequate medical treatment provided to the jailed YUKOS executive, who suffers from several deadly illnesses.
Feb 8, 2008 | Continued
Stop the Savage Justice Against Vasily Aleksanyan!
An open letter from prominent Russian human rights activists and opposition leaders in support of Vasily Aleksanyan. Aleksanyan, a former YUKOS executive has been denied medical treatment in prison, and is gravely ill.
Feb 6, 2008 | Continued
Human Rights Watch Blasts Putin’s Russia
The organization Human Rights Watch has released its 2008 World Report and an essay by executive director Kenneth Roth entitled “Despots Masquerading as Democrats” in which Putin’s Russia plays a starring role.
Feb 4, 2008 | Continued