Press Release, 2.11.2021

Photo: Andrei Avtoneyev / Photo by Ivanovskiye Novosti

The Frunzensky District Court found Andrei Avtoneyev, Chairman of the Ivanovo branch of Yabloko, guilty of organising a rally in memory of the victims of political repression. Avtoneyev was fined 21,000 roubles, but he will appeal this decision.

On October 30, an action was held in Ivanovo, timed to coincide with the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Political Repression. The event was organised by the Ivanovsko branch of Yabloko and took place in the square representing the so-called “Hyde Park”, which, in accordance with the current legislation and established judicial practice, is designated for public events, whereas such events do not require any notification or prior approval from the authorities in conducted in this place. However, at the end of the rally, Andrei Avtoneyev, Chairman of the Ivanovo branch of Yabloko, was detained and taken to the police department. He was charged with a violation of Article 20.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Violation of the procedure for holding a rally or picketing”.

“I consider the fact of adjudging me guilty for a memory action representing a continuation of the repressions, the purpose of which is to intimidate the opposition and prohibit holding of public actions. The court violated the right to freedom of assembly,” Andrei Avtoneyev said.

Avtoneyev also added that he intended to appeal the decision of the Frunzensky District Court up to the European Court of Human Rights.