Moscow: political persecution, detentions, searches, trials. Human rights news

18.02.2026

13.02.2026

Moscow

In Moscow, members of the National Bolshevik movement protesting against internet blocks have been detained.

“Save yourselves for better times and be ready for them to come”: An interview with political prisoner Dmitry Ivanov

“I am sure this monstrous lawlessness won’t last long.” The story of a migrant rights defender sentenced to 14 years in prison

Human rights defender sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment for assisting migrants from Central Asia.

“An active participant in anything good”: Anti-war activist sentenced to seven years

Sentenced to seven years in prison for statements posted on Facebook nearly three years ago.

“The state is turning from an authoritarian into a totalitarian dictatorship before our very eyes.” Court finds no violations detaining a fifth-grader

In Moscow, the court rejected a complaint that the law enforcers’ actions in the case of Varya Galkina were illegal. In October, she was detained right at school.

“Shut up and stay quiet.” This elderly Russian was fined for complimenting Zelensky

A Moscow pensioner was fined for complimenting Zelensky. She got reported three times for talking about Ukraine in a sanatorium.

“Life feels surreal these days.” A woman fined for a cafe argument about Ukraine

A monologue of a Moscow woman on how a protocol was drawn up against her about «discrediting» the Russian army after a dispute about war in Ukraine in a coffee shop.

“Z—for Russia”: Moscow authorities raid hip pubs and a cultural centre

Last Friday Moscow pubs Underdog and La Virgen were raided by the special forces under the premise to check whether they are «sponsoring the Ukrainian Army».

Please take me back to 2017. how Moscow pressures independent municipal deputies

Using visualizations, we will demonstrate the state’s fight against the independence of municipal deputies in Moscow.

“At times there are moments when silence is not acceptable.” Interview with Alexei Gorinov

Alexei Gorinov, who was sentenced to almost seven years of prison for his anti-war statement — on prison, emigration, prophetic dreams and Chupacabra.

“No other language but the language of pain.” A monologue of a man, who was tortured because of his anarchist brother

The story of a persecution and tortures of Pyotr Ivko, brother of Ivan Ivko, conducted by the police.

Yellow-blue smoke over Moscow. How Danila Tkachenko’s performance failed and his friend went to jail

The security forces want World Press Photo laureate Danila Tkachenko to return back to Russia and surrender. They are keeping his friend in jail.

The Prosecutor’s Office Demands Liquidation of the Journalists' and Media Workers' Union. Here’s Why

Here is what we know about the lawsuit of the Moscow Prosecutor’s Office against the union and why they want it liquidated.

“Horror and insanity”: apprehensions, seven days of arrest and three records for “bloody” dresses

Activists Lyudmila Annenkova and Natalia Perova took a photo in white dresses smeared with red blood-like paint in front of the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Called in for Questioning, Apartments Searched, and Demands to Unlock Smartphones: In Moscow, Police and FSB Check Ukrainian Citizens

The stories of two citizens of Ukraine about the checks they were subjected to in Moscow.

Moscow: What's Happening? Political Repression, Detentions, Pressure