Takhir Arslanov is a political prisoner

A pensioner from Novosibirsk has been sentenced to 3 years in prison for anti-war comments on social media

The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Takhir Arslanov a political prisoner. He has been convicted under articles on calls for terrorism, extremism, and riots on the Internet for two comments on the Russian social network VK. Arslanov’s persecution violates his rights to freedom of expression and fair trial.

We demand an end to the prosecution of Takhir Arslanov and his immediate release.

What is the case against Takhir Arslanov?

The reason for the criminal prosecution of Takhir Arslanov from Novosibirsk has been his emotional comments about Russia’s war against Ukraine, left on VK in April and September 2022: ‘This is not a special operation, but a land-grab war of the Kremlin fascists! Death to Putler [a play on words: Hitler + Putin] and his gang!’; ‘Come out, everyone, burn conscription centres, come out to squares, a hundred thousand, and they, these guards, corrupt OMON riot police] officers will choke and scatter!’

On 1 October 2022, the pensioner’s home was searched for the first time, soon followed by a second one. During the searches, security service officers seized all his equipment and killed his cat.

Security service officers repeatedly questioned Arslanov as a witness, probably trying to link his September comment to an attempted arson attack on a Novosibirsk army recruitment centre.

In February 2023, a criminal case was opened against Arslanov under articles on calls for extremism (Article 280, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code), terrorism (Article 205.2, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code) and riots (Article 212, Part 3, of the Russian Criminal Code). During the investigation, he remained at large under a written undertaking not to leave the municipality.

On 2 August 2023, a military court sentenced Arslanov to 3 years in a penal colony, and he was taken into custody. On 5 December 2023, a court of appeal reduced Arslanov’s sentence by two months.

Why do we consider Takhir Arslanov a political prisoner?

We believe that the public danger of Arslanov’s comments is extremely low. Since his real public influence is minimal, his statements did not and could not have any serious consequences. Mainly expressing his anger and despair, these comments are purely rhetorical in nature.

In his comments, Arslanov spoke out against the war of aggression that Russia has unleashed against Ukraine. Expressing these views does not pose a threat to society.

Arslanov’s persecution is clearly political. For instance, the court judgement in his case mentions materials that have no relation to the charges against him: pictures and statements ‘slandering Putin’, correspondence with Navalny’s team and a confirmation of Arslanov’s donation to Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation.

When making the decision, the court ignored the fact that Arslanov’s advanced age of 67 would make his time behind bars particularly unbearable.

Further information about this case and the position of the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project 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 a letter at the following address:

In Russian: 630010, г. Новосибирск, ул. Караваева, д. 1, ФКУ СИЗО-1 ГУФСИН России по Новосибирской области, Арсланову Тахиру Равильевичу, 1956 г. р.

In English: Takhir Ravilyevich Arslanov (born 1956), Remand Prison No. 1, Russian Federal Penitentiary Service for Novosibirsk region, 1 Karavaeva Street, Novosibirsk 630010, Russia.

You can also send an electronic letter via F-pismo.ru or Zonatelecom if you use Russian bank services and via PrisonMail if you use other banks.

Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the recipient.

You can donate to support all political prisoners on our website.