Irina Bystrova is a political prisoner
An artist from Petrozavodsk is being prosecuted for online anti-war statements
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Irina Bystrova a political prisoner. Bystrova is being prosecuted on a criminal charge of spreading ‘fake news’ about the Russian army, motivated by hatred for anti-war posts on VK. Bystrova’s prosecution violates her rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial. We demand her immediate release and that all criminal charges against her be dropped.
Who is Irina Bystrova and what are the charges against her?
Irina Bystrova is an artist and the director of an art studio in Petrozavodsk.
On 24 February 2022, the day Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Bystrova published a post on her page on the VK social media site with a portrait of Vladimir Putin and the caption ‘Burn in hell!’ alongside an appeal to Russian soldiers to ‘Turn round your weapons.’ Criminal proceedings were then initiated against her on charges of inciting terrorism (Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code) and spreading ‘fake news’ about the Russian army (Article 207.3). In December 2022, a court fined Bystrova 600,000 roubles. The fine was paid in three days through public donations.
Irina Bystrova continued to speak out against the war on social media. On 11 March 2024, she was again fined for the administrative-law offence of ‘discrediting’ the army. On 6 December 2024, new criminal charges were brought against her for spreading ‘fake news’ about the army (Article 207.3, Part 2). The charges were based on three posts on VK from 2023 and 2024 concerning the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam and a missile strike on Kramatorsk.
On 11 December 2024, she was placed under house arrest pending trial.
Why do we consider Irina Bystrova a political prisoner?
The offence of spreading information known to be false about the Russian army, for which Bystrova is being prosecuted, was added to the Russian Criminal Code shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In practice, this law prohibits any criticism of the Russian authorities or of the military, violating citizens’ right to freedom of expression. The law contradicts the Russian Constitution, and any related charges are therefore unlawful.
Bystrova has repeatedly faced prosecution for voicing criticism of the war. Despite the pressure, she has continued to express her views openly.
Her statements pose no threat to society. On the contrary, we believe criticism of the war is in the interests of Russian society.
A detailed description of Irina Bystrova’s 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 of, their views, statements, or actions.
How can you help?
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
