Aleksandr Batsenin is a political prisoner
A resident of Khabarovsk, was sentenced to 12 years in a strict regime penal colony for allegedly transferring 780 roubles to support the Russian Volunteer Corps
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Aleksandr Batsenin a political prisoner. Batsenin was convicted of treason for allegedly making a donation to the Russian Volunteer Corps. Batsenin’s criminal prosecution and conviction violated his right to fair trial. We call for the immediate release of Aleksandr Batsenin and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Aleksandr Batsenin?
According to the investigative authorities, in 2023 Aleksandr Batsenin decided to make a donation to the Russian Volunteer Corps, which fights as part of the Ukrainian armed forces. To do so, he reportedly contacted a member of the Russian Volunteer Corps on Telegram, who used the alias ‘Oswald Lemokh,’ and received payment details. It is claimed that in June 2023, Batsenin transferred the equivalent of 779.93 roubles in cryptocurrency (≈ €9).
On 5 September 2023, Batsenin was remanded in custody on a charge of treason for allegedly providing financial assistance to a foreign state in activities directed against the security of the Russian Federation (Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code). The investigative authorities claimed Batsenin held ‘anti-Russian views and a pro-Ukrainian ideological position.’ He pleaded guilty and entered into a pre-trial plea bargain.
On 31 May 2024, Batsenin was sentenced to 12 years in a strict regime penal colony, to be followed by 18 months’ probation on release. On 9 August, the sentence was upheld on appeal. His case is currently undergoing review by a court of cassation.
Why do we consider Aleksandr Batsenin a political prisoner?
Batsenin’s case was heard under a special procedure, without examination of the evidence. However, his admission of guilt does not affect our assessment since it may have been made in an attempt to reduce his sentence. In letters from prison, Batsenin has stated that he was forced to confess and that the evidence against him was fabricated. For example, the smart phone he allegedly used to transfer money to the Russian Volunteer Corps was planted on him at the time of his arrest. His relatives reported that he was in debt to microfinance companies and therefore had no extra funds he could have donated.
However, even if Batsenin had transferred money to the Russian Volunteer Corps, his actions would not constitute a criminal offence. Under international law, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is illegal and criminal. The actions attributed to Batsenin were aimed at supporting Ukraine’s self-defence, not at threatening Russia’s security. It is the war launched by the Russian authorities that endangers Russia’s security.
Furthermore, the amount in question – less than 800 roubles – is so small that it could not have materially affected either Russia’s security or Ukraine’s military capability.
A detailed description of the case of Aleksandr Batsenin 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 write to Aleksandr Batsenin at the following address:
RU: 693008, Сахалинская область, г. Южно-Сахалинск, ул. Пограничная, д. 71, ФКУ ИК-1 УФСИН России по Сахалинской области, Баценину Александру Дмитриевичу, 1995 г. р.
ENG: Aleksandr Dmitrievich Batsenin (born 1995), Penal Colony No. 1, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Sakhalin Oblast, 71 Pogranichnaya Street, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin Oblast, 693008, Russia.
You can also send an email using the ZT service (for payment with Russian bank cards).
Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the intended recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
