Decision of the Federal Council No 49, 19.12.2018 

Following the decision of the Tverskoy Distroct Court a renowned human rights defender and political activist Lev Ponomarev was sentenced to a long-term administrative detention.

Lev Ponomarev was brought to account for posting on the Internet some information about an event that was organised by the parents of the young people prosecuted with regard to the Novoye Velichiye (“New Greatness”) and Set (“Network”) cases. There are no grounds for the administrative prosecution of Lev Ponomarev.

The detention of Lev Ponomarev is a shame on Russia’s legal system. It is a vivid example that shows that courts are used to intimidate the civil society. This case shows that even a senior person who has a heart attack two years ago cannot expect compassion and humane treatment from Russia’s legal system.

Another striking example is the refusal of the court to allow Ponomarev to attend Lyudmila Alexeyeva’s funeral. People were outraged by this refusal.

The Yabloko Party consider that the following treatment of Lev Ponomarev is inhuman and impudent.

The Federal Council demands that the court release Lev Ponomarev, reverse the decision on the administrative charges against him, offer an apology for their inhumane behaviour, make an inquiry into the fact of bring administrative charges against him and bring all public servants involved to account.

Emilia Slabunova,
Yabloko Chair