Petition in support of cancelling prosecution against “Vesna”

The Youth Democratic Movement “Vesna” was one of the first political forces in Russia to announce the start of an anti-war campaign following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Ahead of the “They fought not for this” action, which the movement announced for May 9, coordinators, activists, and former members of “Vesna,” as well as those who had never been part of the movement, were subjected to searches. At least 8 people were detained as a result.

The “Vesna” case was initiated under Part 3 of Article 239 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, related to the creation of a non-profit organization that infringes on the rights and freedoms of individuals. The case is being investigated by officer Gagarin V.V., who also handled the DOXA magazine case. The maximum punishment under Part 3 of Article 239 is 2 years in prison.

Currently, the following individuals are involved in the “Vesna” case:

Evgeny Zateev, Valentin Khoroshenin, Roman Maximov, Ivan Drobotov, Angelina Roschupko, Timofey Vaskin. They are all accused under Part 3 of Article 239 of the Criminal Code. The court has imposed a restriction on certain activities until July 6. Lawyers are preparing to file appeals.

Currently, the individuals are prohibited from:

• Leaving their homes between 8 PM and 8 AM;
• Communicating with witnesses, suspects, accused persons in the case, and activists of the “Vesna” movement;
• Attending “Vesna” events;
• Sending or receiving mail, except for correspondence from investigative and judicial bodies;
• Using any means of communication and accessing the internet, except for emergency services or contacting the investigator.

It is clear that the authorities are using the criminal case to try to destroy “Vesna,” halt its anti-war campaign, and silence those who oppose the war.

However, opposing the war is not a crime. The movement operates solely within the rights guaranteed by the Russian Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, which ensure freedom of thought, speech, and peaceful assembly.

Moreover, “Vesna” has always stood and continues to stand for the protection of citizens’ rights that are being violated by the state, not infringing upon them. The charges brought by the investigation are not only absurd but also contrary to the truth.

We demand the immediate closure of the “Vesna” case and the accountability of the investigators, employees of the “E” center, and police officers involved in fabricating it.

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