Press Release, 17.04.2026

Photo: Grigory Gribenko / Photo by Irkutsk Yabloko

Today, 17 April, the Chairman of Irkutsk Yabloko, Grigory Gribenko, received the results of a laboratory analysis conducted by the Irkutsk drug treatment clinic to detect the presence of narcotic substances. The analysis had been carried out on 10 April — after law enforcement officers staged an ambush targeting Gribenko and compelled him to undergo a medical examination. On the same day, fearing that the results of the state-administered analysis would be falsified, Gribenko had his samples tested at an independent laboratory.

He does not rule out that the traffic police ambush on 10 April, the subsequent medical examination, and the “results” of the analysis obtained from the state drug treatment clinic constitute “a special operation organised by the FSB in retaliation for his attempt to hold a rally against Internet blocking in Irkutsk”. According to the city administration’s own figures, up to 70,000 people could have attended the event. Gribenko is currently in litigation with the Mayor’s Office over what he considers the unlawful refusal to permit the rally.

The results of the independent analysis were finalised and published on 13 April. No narcotic substances were detected.

Gribenko received the results of the state institution’s analysis today; according to the document, tetrahydrocannabinol was purportedly found in his samples.

Photo: On the left, the results from the independent Helix laboratory, showing “not detected”; on the right (bearing a blue stamp), the results from the Irkutsk drug treatment clinic.

What does this mean? According to the authorities’ version of events, Gribenko was driving under the influence on 10 April and will now be issued an administrative offence report. The materials will then be referred to court, where the results of the independent analysis — which found no prohibited substances — will once again be made public.

Yabloko considers that the medical examination of the Irkutsk branch Chairman was fabricated, and demands that the persecution of Grigory Gribenko and other party activists defending citizens’ right to freedom of information be brought to an end.