Press Release, 7.10.2022

Photo: Svetlana Sannikova / Photo from social media

On 6 October, a court in Novosibirsk found Svetlana Sannikova, a civil activist and supporter of the Yabloko party, guilty of violating public order due to the “mass simultaneous stay of citizens”. The fine under Article 20.2.2 Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses amounted to 12,000 roubles. Svetlana as an employee of the Siberian State University of Communications was also called in for a “conversation” at work.

On 24 September, a civil action for peace was held in Novosibirsk. The police detained about 70 people, including Svetlana Sannikova. The detainees wrote explanations to the police and were released with the obligation to appear at the police station the next day for a protocol of offense being drawn up against them. On the appointed day, the protocols were not drawn up, but the detainees were offered to supplement the previously written explanations. Later, the police again called the protesters to the police station. The protocol against Svetlana Sannikova was drawn up on 6 October. Court hearings took place on the same day.

The court agreed with the arguments of the police that Svetlana Sannikova “joined hands with other citizens, led a circle dance and sang the songs “Let there always be sunshine”, “A Christmas tree was born in the forest”, thereby violating public order.” For such an “offence”, a supporter of Yabloko received a fine of 12,000 roubles.

According to Svetlana Sannikova, she has not yet decided whether she will appeal against the fine: given the low probability of the punishment being overturned, she is ready to continue the proceedings.

It is not the first time that Svetlana Sannikova, a participant in many peaceful civil protests, an elections observer, and a supporter of Yabloko, has been facing pressure because of her civic and political stance. Earlier, the activist was summoned to “conversations” and was interrogated at the Investigative Committee. Another such “conversation” took place at the university where Sannikova works as a document specialist.

Since the start of the so-called “special military operation,” at least 26 Yabloko activists have been detained.

Read more about the persecution of Yabloko members after the start of the “special operation”.