Denis Merkulov

On 21 July 2021, Merkulov's home was searched. The next day, he was interrogated and detained. On 24 July, the court placed Merkulov under house arrest on charges of organising activities of an extremist organisation. On 17 September, the court ruled to adopt a preventive measure in the form of a ban on certain actions. On 23 March 2023, Merkulov was sentenced to a fine of 500 thousand rubles (US$5,500). On 18 July, the appellate court reduced the fine by 100 thousand.