Yabloko activists fined for “discrediting the army” thank those who responded to the Yabloko action “Let’s Help Those Who Are Not Silent”

Press Release, 29.08.2022

In early July, the Yabloko party launched the campaign “Let’s Help Those Who Are Not Silent” so that to help pay large fines for the activists and party members who were repressed for calling for peace.

After 24 February, several dozen Yabloko activists were prosecuted under the article on “discrediting the army” and similar articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses. The majority of fines amounted to 30,000 roubles (approximately 500 Euro) or more.

“Not everyone can find the courage to oppose the actions of the regime, but everyone can help those who dare to do so,” that was Yabloko’s address to its supporters.

As a result, from 3 July to 29 August, the campaign raised 1,145,000 roubles to cover 26 fines for 19 activists and supporters of the party.

Yabloko activists say that this action of solidarity turned out to be important for everyone – both for those whom the authorities decided to punish for their dissent and courage, and for those who decided to support such people with money.

Here goes what some of those to whom we collected money for the fines wrote:

Maria Volokh, Moscow Yabloko activist:

“I would like to convey my huge thanks to everyone who donated money to me for the fine! Initially, it was extremely embarrassing for me to turn to Yabloko with a request to organise a collection, because it seemed to be my own fault… And it seemed to me that we were unlikely to collect 60,000 roubles [over 1,000 Euro], [which is] a very large amount. But it was collected literally in ten days, and along with donations, I received so many messages with words of gratitude for our action and courage, words of support and good wishes. I am extremely surprised and very happy! Thanks a lot again! Now I will also definitely donate money [so that to cover] fines [for other people]!”

Vladimir Solovtsov, Deputy Chairman of the Yabloko branch in Tatarstan

“Many thanks to everyone who responded and helped with the payment of the fine during this difficult time. Very pleased to find so many like-minded people! I would like to especially mark the message “I support. Moshkov, aged 82”. It makes sense to fight for OUR country!”

Ksenia Sverdlova, ex-Chairperson of the Saratov branch of Yabloko

“Thanks to everyone who helped pay the fine. Unfortunately, the names of most of the donors are unknown to me, but I was able to personally say “thank you” to some of you. Such support gives us hope that there are many of us, who are frightened and broken by what has been happening. But we have each other and are ready to help. Thank you, all those who stands by.”

Ivan Kotkov, member of the Pskov branch of Yabloko

“Thank you, all those who are not indifferent, good, honest and truthful. Real Man written with capital letters – this sounds proud. Wishing truth, honour and moral integrity to all. There are more good people, good will defeat evil!”

Viktor Zheltoukhov, member of the Sverdlovsk region branch of Yabloko

“Friends, hello, thank you, the money to cover my fine was collected in just two weeks. Thanks to everyone: Vladimir Nikolayevich, Petr Sergeyevich, Viktor Nikolayevich, Natalya Viktorovna, Alexei Yanovich, Svetlana Alekseyevna, Dmitry Vitalievich, Olga Olegovna, Irina Andreyevna, Rustem Eldarovich, Olga Viktorovna, Kirill Aleksandrovich, Ilya Nikolayevich, and Maria Vyacheslavovna, and special thanks for unidentified bank transfers, because you also had to pay a commission. In total, the amount of 31,187 roubles was collected, the surplus was transferred to cover fines of other people. The party organised a centralised collection of funds on the website so that to cover the fines of those who had to pay fines under the article on “discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation”, but in fact, punished for expressing their civil stance.”

Boris Miklyukov, activist of the Rostov branch of Yabloko

“Thank you all so much for your help! I could not remain silent, but I am not stupid and did not write anything about the army openly, I knew that the fine would go to the army! But even in a secret chat, they reported on me, as neighbours once reported in the USSR! Be on alert and pay attention to whom you are talking! It is time now. Thanks again! I will help everyone from the Rostov branch of the Yabloko party who is not indifferent! I will be careful.”

Anatoly Nogovitsyn, Chairman of the Yabloko branch in Yakutia

“The amount of 30,000 roubles to pay my fine was collected as early as on 22 July, but since I was haymaking and arrived in Yakutsk only yesterday, I made the actual payment today… Once again, many thanks to all those who helped me and other activists and supporters of the party with the money.”

Vladimir Dorokhov, Chairman of the Tula branch of Yabloko

“I myself participated many times in the fundraising campaigns to cover fines as a donor. Now I turned out to be on the other side of it. Thanks to everyone for participating and helping. It seems to me very important to show such solidarity now, when there are practically no other opportunities left.”

Vladimir Fateyev, activist of the Tambov branch of Yabloko

“Many thanks to all those who helped pay the fine. (It was not possible to find out some names in order to express gratitude) … Vladimir Izrailevich, Yelena, Oleg, Natalya Leonidovna Ch., Irina Andreyevna G., Nadezhda Vasilievna B., Alexander Grigoryevich K., Anna Mikhailovna K, Maria Vladimirovna S, Alexander Anatolyevich B. , Maria Gennadievna, Ksenia Alexandrovna S., Natalya Yuryevna B., Marina Yalmarovna P., Natalya Alexandrovna V., Yelena Vladimirovna C., Andrei Vladimirovich P., Vladimir Yurievich A., Yelena Petrovna B., Natalya Sergeyevna M., Yevgenia Viktorovna D., Yulia Vladimirovna K., Zhanna O., Yelena S., Yelena Vladislavovna I., Alexander Alexandrovich S., Alexandra Zh., Vladimir Alexandrovich… THANKS TO YOU ALL!!! Sorry for those I failed mention.

Valentin Grushevsky, supporter of the Yabloko party, Kemerovo

“Many thanks to everyone who helped me pay this fine, as well as for the words of support! Our unity is impressive. In turn, I consider it my duty to continue my work for the common good.”

Konstantin Kononenko, activist of the Altai branch of Yabloko

“I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude to all those who, in this difficult time for the whole world, find the strength to provide support to those in need. I am very glad that there are such caring people in the world, sympathetic and generous in soul, motivating for good deeds, giving strength to look at the future with optimism. Peace to you and your families.”

Alexander Goncharenko, Chairman of Altai branch of Yabloko

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who, within the framework of the “Let’s Help To Those Who Are Not Silent” campaign, helped me and my comrades in the Yabloko party to raise funds for the payment of administrative fines for allegedly “discrediting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation” during the so-called special military operation in Ukraine. You supported us not only financially, but also morally. Today it is no mean feat in Russia! My deepest gratitude and my heartfelt thanks to you!”

Vera Zabaluyeva, Yabloko member, Ukhta, Komi

“For some time I did not really believe in success. Who has extra money now? However, a financial stream started flowing immediately from the day the collection was announced! Where donations of 100 roubles, 1,000 roubles, 5,000 roubles and more. And here it is – the day of the collection of the complete amount has come! I don’t know a single name of the donors, but I am deeply grateful to everyone! At the time of the verdict on the fines, I had 65,000 roubes set aside for eye surgery. So my fellow party members helped me save my eyesight. I do not repent at all in my protest, no matter how much the authorities would like it. But now I feel powerful support and become even more steady in my stance. There are many of us who are against destructive wars…”

Sergei Fyodorov, Kholmsk, Sakhalin

“Good day to all! I would like to express just gigantic gratitude to everyone who helped us in difficult times for your invaluable moral and financial support that you provided to our small modest media – the newspaper Visit. Whoever could have thought that in a tiny town on the island of Sakhalin (right in the middle of nowhere) they so vigilantly observe the execution of the multiple laws they get from above.  Whoever could have thought that the hard-hitting, bitter, but necessary truth would be a bone across the throat. Whoever could have thought that the fact of a court “verdict” in the form of a decent fine (200,000 roubles) would outrage so many people who helped and supported us. In those days, in March 2022, it was in the article of Grigory Yavlinsky, in our opinion, that provided the most correct thoughts and words, which could shake the opinion of those hesitating and add strength to those confident in their thoughts. We are very grateful to everyone who did not stand aside and also expressed their disagreement with what has been happening. Sincerely, Sergei Fyodorov, Editor of the newspaper Visit”.

Viktor Shalyakin, Chairman of the city branch of Yabloko in Novgorod

“We will not be intimidated!”