Press Release, 6.09.2023

Photo: Nikolai Yegorov / Photo from Nikolai Yegorov’s personal archive

We have closed the collection of donations for the Chairman of the Vologda branch of Yabloko Nikolai Yegorov, as a criminal case on “discrediting the army” was filed against him (Article 280.3, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and a pre-investigation check has been underway under the article on the dissemination of “fakes about the army” (Article 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). We managed to collect 90,000 roubles for an extra-judicial psychological and linguistic examination. The funds have already been transferred to the family of Nikolai Yegorov.

The family of Nikolai Yegorov (who is under home arrest waiting for a trial scheduled on 13 September) conveyed the words of gratitude from Nikolai to everyone who helped him:

“I am sincerely grateful to everyone for their financial help and moral support!

I am very touched that so many people did not stay indifferent to my cause. The realisation that even in dark times people you don’t personally know are ready to lend a shoulder to you gives you strength and increases the hope that changes for the better will definitely come.

I am grateful to the Yabloko party, which organised this fundraising and continues to unite those who stand for peace, civil liberties and humanistic values.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable support!”

The punishment under the criminal article on “discrediting the army”, which appears in the case of the Chairman of the Vologda Yabloko, varies from a fine of up to 300,000 roubles and forced labour to imprisonment for up to five years. Police have already sent the case to court.

In addition, it should be noted that the pre-investigation check for disseminating “fakes about the army” (Article 207.3, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), which is underway against Nikolai Yegorov may bring about additional punishment for him of up to ten years in prison.