Vladimir Skvortsov

A Russian Post employee from Vologda. On 22 August 2024, he was detained for posting leaflets in support of the "Russian Freedom Legion". He was then accused of financing extremist activities and participation in a terrorist organisation.

According to the prosecution version, in 2021 Skvortsov transferred the overall sum of 1,100 rubles to the Anti-Corruption Foundation dispersed between four donations.

The prosecution also believes that from 1 July to 28 August 2024 he, being an opponent of the invasion of Ukraine, "participated in the activities" of the Russian Freedom Legion. Skvortsov contacted a representative of the unit in Telegram social network and filled out a membership form, and was then tasked with putting up leaflets in support of the legion and against the current government in Russia. He downloaded the leaflet layout, and on 22 August 2024, he printed 40 copies on his work computer and posted most of them around Vologda. Skvortsov photographed them for the report, but did not have time to send them — he was detained the same day.

The day after his arrest, the Vologda City Court arrested Skvortsov for seven days under a protocol for displaying prohibited symbols because of the same leaflets. He later found himself in a pre-trial detention centre. In November 2024, he was fined a thousand rubles for the leaflets under another protocol — accusing him of manufacturing prohibited symbols.

Skvortsov pleaded guilty in the criminal case.

On 21 May, the 1st Western District Military Court in St. Petersburg began the trial.