Aleksei Gorinov, a former Moscow municipal deputy and one of the first political prisoners in modern Russia, has been held in torturous conditions in solitary confinement (SHIZO) for over two months on fabricated charges. He urgently needs our help.
Background
On March 15, 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Gorinov publicly condemned the aggression during a municipal council meeting. On July 8, 2022, he was sentenced to seven years in prison under Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code for “knowingly disseminating false information” about the Russian military. Subsequently, a second criminal case was initiated against him for “justification of terrorism.”
Current Situation
Over the past two months, Gorinov, who suffers from severe tuberculosis, has been repeatedly placed in SHIZO. Prison authorities have deliberately denied him access to essential medical treatment, putting his fragile health in grave danger. His most recent confinement in SHIZO occurred a week ago.
In his own words from prison:
They deprive me of the right to medical care, humiliate me, and isolate me from other prisoners. I perceive this as a deliberate form of pressure and torture.
International Response
- United Nations: The UN has repeatedly called for Gorinov’s release, with a special rapporteur emphasizing that holding a sick person in SHIZO amounts to torture.
- Amnesty International: Recognized Gorinov as a prisoner of conscience and condemned his conviction as an unlawful reprisal for expressing his opinion.
- European Union: Imposed sanctions on judges involved in Gorinov’s case.
- European Parliament: Members signed a letter supporting Gorinov, noting that he was the first person sentenced by Russian authorities for anti-war statements.
How You Can Help Aleksei Gorinov Right Now
- Send an Appeal to the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) of Russia: Use dyatel.help to send a message urging humane treatment and adequate medical care for Gorinov.
- Write a Letter of Support: Send a letter to Aleksei Gorinov through Vestočka or zt.ru, expressing solidarity and encouraging him to continue his peaceful resistance.
- Spread the Word on Social Media: Share information about Gorinov’s plight on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to raise awareness and mobilize support.
Every day in SHIZO is a life-threatening risk for Aleksei Gorinov. Immediate action can save his health and life.
For more information and updates, visit:
- Amnesty International’s Campaign for Aleksei Gorinov
- The Insider’s Report on Gorinov’s Health
- Wikipedia Page on Aleksei Gorinov
Your support can make a difference.