Nikita Botberg

Resident of Sochi. In May 2022, he was arrested for five days because he went to the "Immortal Regiment" action with a portrait of his ancestor and the inscription next to it: "He did not fight for this. No to war." He was found guilty under the article on disobedience to the lawful demands of police officers (part 1 of article 19.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences). Then a report was also drawn up on him under the article on discrediting the Russian army (part 1 of article 20.3.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences). After leaving the detention centre, Botberg was summoned to the FSB, where he was asked questions about his ties with Ukraine. The law enforcers also came to the restaurants he owned. As a result, the man was forced to hand over his share of the business to his partners. After the picket against mobilisation, which Botberg held in October 2022, law enforcement officers came to his registered address and questioned his mother. A few days later, the activist was beaten up. The man faced panic attacks and was afraid to go out on the street. Then he and his wife made a decision to leave Russia. In July 2023, he was declared wanted in a criminal case for public justification of terrorism.