Press Release, 20.11.2023

Photo: Alexei Duplyakov / Photo from Alexei Duplyakov’s personal archive

Civil activist Alexei Duplyakov received a fine for participating in a peaceful rally against the start of the so-called “special military operation”. The rally took place in Moscow on 27 February, 2022. Duplyakov had to leave Russia fearing persecution for his active political position. While waiting for a decision on being granted political asylum, the activist cannot work and asks for help with paying a fine. Alexei Duplyakov fears that bailiffs will seize things in the apartment where he is registered with his relatives. Yabloko announced a fundraiser to pay the fine for Duplyakov.

Alexei Duplyakov comes from the city of Zhukovsky in the Moscow region. He has been active in public protests since the 2011 elections. Over the course of several years, the activist was detained several times under administrative charges.

On 27 February, Duplyakov went to a protest rally in Moscow against the “special military operation” and was detained there by police. On 17 March, 2022, the Preobrazhensky District Court of Moscow found Duplyakov guilty of participating in an unauthorised rally under Article 20.2 Part 5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and fined him 20,000 roubles. On 7 October, the Moscow City Court rejected the civil activist’s complaint and upheld the decision on the fine.

Alexei Duplyakov had to leave Russia, fearing persecution for his activism. He is currently having difficulties with finding a job. Meanwhile, the bailiff service arrested all of Duplyakov’s Russian bank accounts. The activist fears pressure from bailiffs on his relatives.

Yabloko has announced a fundraising to help Alexei Duplyakov with paying the fine.