Sergei Solovyov is a political prisoner
A resident of Vologda has been sentenced to two years’ compulsory work in a correctional facility for repeatedly ‘discrediting’ the Russian army in comments on VK
The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Sergei Solovyov a political prisoner. Solovyov was convicted on a criminal charge of repeatedly publicly ‘discrediting’ the Russian army on the Internet for comments he made on social media. Solovyov’s prosecution and conviction violated his rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Sergei Solovyov and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.
What were the charges against Sergei Solovyov?
In the spring and summer of 2022, Sergei Solovyov from Vologda posted several comments on the VK social media site criticising the war against Ukraine.
On 3 October 2022, he was fined 30,000 roubles on an administrative-law charge of ‘discrediting’ the army for one of these comments, which read: ‘Russia has already lost. This was clear as early as 25 February. Glory to Ukraine. Shame on the Russian leadership.’
On 17 January 2024, Sergei Solovyov was detained on a criminal charge of repeated ‘discrediting’ the army (Article 280.3, Part 1, of the Russian Criminal Code) – again for comments on VK. Solovyov was accused of writing that Russian soldiers had intentionally become occupiers and were committing crimes in Ukraine. According to Solovyov, ‘Only unemployed alcoholics could voluntarily sell their conscience for 700 roubles, become accomplices in crimes and disgrace their families.’
On 14 November 2024, a court in Vologda found Sergei Solovyov guilty and sentenced him to two years in a low-security penal colony, with a ban on writing about the Russian armed forces for two years after his release. On 5 February 2025, an appeal court replaced the sentence with two years’ compulsory work in a correctional facility.
Why do we consider Sergei Solovyov a political prisoner?
The offence of repeated ‘discrediting’ of the army was introduced into the Russian Criminal Code after the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine to suppress dissent. The law effectively prohibits any criticism of the war or the Russian authorities, in violation of the civil right to freedom of expression, as well as the principle of legal certainty. Moreover, punishing someone for repeated ‘discrediting’ essentially means prosecuting someone twice for one and the same act, which also contradicts a fundamental principle of law. This article of the Criminal Code must be repealed, all related criminal convictions quashed, and ongoing charges dropped.
Sergei Solovyov condemned the aggression against Ukraine and called for the withdrawal of Russian troops. He did no more than take part in online discussions and try to persuade his interlocutors. A standpoint such as Solovyov’s is beneficial to society and should not be subject to administrative or criminal prosecution.
A detailed description of Sergei Solovyov’s case and of our position is available on our website.
Recognition of an individual as a political prisoner does not imply the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project agrees with, or approves of, their views, statements, or actions.
How can you help?
You can write to Sergei Solovyov at the following address:
In Russian: 160503, Вологодская область, Вологодский район, д. Княгинино, д. 16, УФИЦ № 2 ФКУ ИК-2, Соловьёву Сергею Георгиевичу 1976 г. р.
In English: Sergei Georgievich Solovyov (born 1976), Correctional Facility No. 2, Penal Colony No. 2, Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for Vologda Oblast, 16 Knyaginino village, Vologda district, Vologda Oblast, 160503, Russia
You can also send an email using ZT (for payment with Russian bank cards), OVD-Info and Memorial-France (free of charge).
Please note that letters in languages other than Russian are highly unlikely to reach the intended recipient.
You can donate to help all political prisoners in Russia.
