Authorities in Russia Target Artists Linked to Mediazona and Alleged Treason Case
In several Russian cities, investigators pursued individuals who might be connected to a treason case involving Pyotr Verzilov, a publisher associated with Mediazona, an outlet that is listed by the Ministry of Justice as a foreign agent. The information surfaced through a Telegram channel known for reporting on current events, which has since become a focal point for updates on the investigation.
According to the channel, searches were conducted at the homes and studios of Verzilov’s relatives and associates, including his mother, Rita Flores, a member of the Pussy Riot collective, as well as members of the Yav art group. The searches also extended to the residence of a friend of the artist Filipenzo who left Russia.
As part of the broader operation, law enforcement moved to detain several other artists connected to the cultural scene. In Yekaterinburg, for instance, artist Ilya Mozgi was taken into custody. In Ulyanovsk, Ilya Kholtov was detained, with authorities seizing his paintings and a computer system unit during the visit. The security services appeared to be following a pattern of outreach to creatives who may have ties to Verzilov’s circle. In St. Petersburg, investigators visited the home of Katrin Nenasheva and her associate Natasha Chetverio in what was described as a continuation of the search phase.
Pyotr Verzilov has been identified by authorities as a foreign agent within the Russian legal framework. At the start of October 2023, he had already stepped away from Mediazona, citing involvement in the Ukraine conflict on the side of Ukrainian armed forces as a factor in his decision. The case has attracted attention from supporters who argue that Verzilov’s activities and his role in independent media should be protected, arguing that legal steps against him may raise questions about due process and freedom of expression.
On November 3, 2023, Moscow’s Basmanny Court issued a decision in absentia, sentencing Verzilov to eight and a half years in a general regime penal colony. The court also barred him from managing any Internet resources for four years. Defenders of Verzilov maintained that their client was not given a fair hearing and called for acquittal on the charges, stressing the importance of transparent legal proceedings.
Later, on March 11, the Moscow City Court reviewed the case and canceled the penalty on procedural grounds, signaling that some aspects of how the case had been processed warranted reconsideration. The outcome of the proceedings remained a subject of ongoing discussions among observers, supporters, and legal commentators.
The broader context involves ongoing controversy over the rights of independent media and the risks faced by cultural figures who engage in political topics. The reported searches and detentions reflect a climate where authorities scrutinize activities linked to media organizations and public discourse, prompting questions about the balance between national security concerns and artistic or journalistic freedom.