Press Release, 5.02.2025

Photo: Anatoly Nogovitsyn / Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

The Supreme Court of Yakutia rejected the appeal of the Chairman of the Yabloko branch in Yakutia, Anatoly Nogovitsyn, against the decision of the city court on a fine for “violation of the established procedure for organizing or holding a rally” (Article 20.2, Part 1, of the Code of Administrative Offenses). On 24 November, the leader of the Yabloko branch in Yakutia held a rally against the cancellation of direct mayoral elections, the rally was permitted by the authorities. Immediately after the rally, Nogovitsyn was taken to the police and an administrative protocol of a violation was drawn up against him, in which Nogovitsyn was charged with moving around the place during the rally. The next day, judge of the city court fined Nogovitsyn 10,000 roubles.

“I was punished for the fact that I… simply moved around inside the agreed place at the permitted rally, as absurd as it may sound. Obviously, it is not a “violation”, but an attempt to put pressure on those who are not afraid to defend the rights of people. But if the authorities think that this will break us, then they are very much mistaken,” Anatoly Nogovitsyn comments.

The Yabloko branch in Yakutia has not stopped working with citizens, but has announced a collection of signatures against the abolition of direct elections of the mayor.

Yabloko appeals to fellow party members and supporters asking to help Anatoly Nogovitsyn to pay the fine.