A blogger and human rights activist from Yekaterinburg was cited by a Telegram channel and involved in a legal case himself after reporting on alleged abuses. The account appeared on the Telegram channel “URALLIVE.”
On July 5, security forces arrived at the residence of Alexei Sokolov, who runs the Telegram channel “Human Rights Defenders of the Urals.” He was confronted at the doorway and ordered to face the floor as officers entered. Just before that encounter, the human rights defender had interviewed three inmates in the punishment cell at Yekaterinburg’s IK-10 facility. All three prisoners described a pattern of violent handling by special forces during a June 20 search operation: they were struck on the legs, knocked to the ground, and restrained in handcuffs. Prisoners said they were forced to strip, and those who resisted were shaved on the head and beard. The testimonies point to a coercive environment during searches and a ritualized intimidation by the staff involved. (via URALLIVE)
According to sources, Sokolov has become a defendant in a case related to the spread of allegedly unreliable socially significant information. Associates suspected of disseminating extremist ideology are being sought in connection with the investigation. It is reported that the activist had already faced administrative consequences for extremist activities within the last year. In the current criminal matter, Sokolov could face up to four years in prison. (via URALLIVE)
Media outlets reported that the official catalyst for the criminal case was the appearance of the Facebook logo on the Telegram channel “Human Rights Defenders of the Urals.” In Russia, Meta’s owner is frequently treated as an extremist entity, and the logo was cited as the reason for legal action. The case was opened on July 2, the day after a release, and the information about the alleged beatings came from a source connected to the Ura.ru material. (via URALLIVE)
On July 6, the detained activist delivered a letter to colleagues alleging the beating and describing the case as having a discriminatory character. Journalists were reportedly denied access to attend the hearing whereSokolov was to request preventive measures. (via URALLIVE)
Earlier, personnel at an Irkutsk colony, previously convicted of torture, were arrested and subsequently released on parole after serving a year in prison. The sequence of events highlights ongoing concerns about treatment within correctional facilities and the rights of detainees in the region. (via URALLIVE)