Vladimir Osipov is a political prisoner
A Moscow Oblast resident is being persecuted on a charge of spreading ‘fake news’ about the Russian army
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Vladimir Osipov a political prisoner. Osipov is being prosecuted on a charge of spreading ‘fake news’ about the actions of the Russian armed forces. Osipov’s prosecution violates his rights to freedom of expression and fair trial. We demand the release of Vladimir Osipov and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What are the charges against Vladimir Osipov?
Vladimir Osipov, a resident of the town of Dzerzhinsky in the Lyubertsy district of Moscow Oblast, has been charged with ‘publicly spreading false information about the use of the Russian armed forces, motivated by hatred or hostility towards a social group’ (Article 207.3, Part 2, of the Russian Criminal Code). We do not know what specific statements led to the charges being brought against him.
On 13 November 2024, Osipov was remanded in custody.
In June 2025, the case went to court for trial. He faces up to ten years’ imprisonment if convicted.
Why do we consider Vladimir Osipov a political prisoner?
The article of the criminal code on the dissemination of information known to be false, under which Osipov is being prosecuted, was introduced into Russian law immediately after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This law effectively prohibits the dissemination of any information about the war that differs from the official narrative, thereby violating the civil right to freedom of expression. The article also contradicts both the Russian Constitution and the country’s international obligations. Furthermore, the article contradicts fundamental principles of law, in particular the principle of legal certainty. Under this article of the Criminal Code, a person is not able to know in advance what information may be considered false. Still less is it possible for a court to prove prior knowledge or intent with regard to the dissemination of false information. We regard all charges under this article as unlawful.
While we do not know the specific statements for which Osipov is being prosecuted, the mere fact that he has been charged under this illegitimate article indicates the case is politically motivated, and his actions posed no genuine threat to society. Most likely, Osipov wrote about crimes committed by the Russian military in Ukraine.
A detailed description of Vladimir Osipov’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 to Vladimir Osipov at the following address:
RU: 140400, Московская область, г. Коломна, ул. Гражданская, д. 112, ФКУ СИЗО-6 УФСИН России по Московской области, Осипов Владимир Павлович, 1969 г. р.
EN: Vladimir Pavlovich Osipov (born 1969), Remand Prison No. 6, Federal Penitentiary Service for Moscow Oblast, 112 Grazhdanskaya Street, Kolomna, Moscow Oblast, 140400, Russia.
You can also send an email using ZT (for payment with all 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 intended recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
