Konstantin Ogoltsov is a political prisoner
A Chelyabinsk activist has been sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for two short comments on the VK social media site
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Konstantin Ogoltsov a political prisoner. Ogoltsov has been convicted on a criminal charge of justifying terrorism for comments he made on social media. Ogoltsov’s prosecution and conviction violate his rights to freedom of expression and fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Konstantin Ogoltsov and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
Who is Konstantin Ogoltsov and what were the charges against him?
Konstantin Ogoltsov is a lawyer from Chelyabinsk and a former activist of the Russian National Bolshevik Party. He was previously prosecuted for his political activism but nonetheless continued his civic engagement.
According to the investigative authorities, in October 2023 Ogoltsov posted comments on the VK social media site expressing a positive opinion about the soldiers of the Free Russia Legion and the Ukrainian Azov Battalion. He wrote: ‘The Azov Battalion is defending its homeland. They may not be heroes, but they are definitely PATRIOTS!’ According to a forensic assessment, these comments were evidence of the offence of justifying terrorism (Article 205.2, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code).
In April 2024, Ogoltsov’s home was searched, technical equipment in his possession was seized, and he was remanded in custody.
On 4 February 2025, a military court in Yekaterinburg sentenced Konstantin Ogoltsov to six years in a general-regime penal colony and banned him from administering internet resources for three years after his release.
Why do we consider Konstantin Ogoltsov a political prisoner?
The charge of justifying terrorism is frequently used by the Russian authorities to prosecute dissenters, especially those who oppose the war against Ukraine. However, in our view, Ogoltsov’s comments do not constitute a crime. He expressed views about the soldiers of the Free Russia Legion and the Azov Battalion, calling members of the former ‘heroes’ and members of the latter ‘patriots.’ These comments have no bearing on the practice or ideology of terrorism, nor on any specific actions that could be interpreted as terrorism.
We do not agree with the designation of the Free Russia Legion and the Azov Battalion as terrorist organisations. These units are part of the Ukrainian armed forces and participate legitimately in the war on the side of Ukraine defending itself against Russian aggression.
In our view, Ogoltsov’s prosecution may be retaliation for his long-standing civic and political activities.
A detailed description of Konstantin Ogoltsov’s case 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, their views, statements, or actions.
How can you help?
You can write a letter to Konstantin Ogoltsov at the following address:
In Russian:
623850, Свердловская область, г. Ирбит, ул. Кирова, д. 29а, ФКУ СИЗО-2 ГУФСИН России по Свердловской области, Огольцову Константину Сергеевичу 1983 г. р.
In English:
Konstantin Sergeevich Ogoltsov (born 1983), Remand Prison No. 2, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Sverdlovsk Oblast, 29a Kirova Street, Irbit, Sverdlovsk Oblast, 623850, Russia.
You can also send an email via ZT (for payment with Russian bank cards), OVD-Info and Memorial-France (free of charge).
Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
