Free Russia Foundation

?FREE RUSSIA FOUNDATION 2025 OPERATIONS UPDATE? Our statement?? https://lnkd.in/dJpuZCqf

In 2024, the human rights situation in Russia deteriorated significantly, marked by the systematic elimination of independent civil society, pervasive surveillance, and targeted persecution of vulnerable groups. Key aspects include comprehensive digital control, severe sentences for dissent, and state-sponsored repression. ?? Censorship Statistics 1??.7?? million+ websites blocked (including major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) 5??5??8??,0??0??0?? links removed for “illegal content” 3??,5??0??0??+ social media accounts monitored daily ?? Platform Compliance $4??6??M fine imposed on Google for non-compliance ?? Apps required to register with Russian authorities. ?? Surveillance Infrastructure ?? The SORM System (System for Operative Investigative Activities) is a state-mandated surveillance program implemented in Russia. It requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecommunications companies to install hardware that gives the Federal Security Service (FSB) and other authorized government agencies direct access to user data without needing prior notification or judicial approval. ?? Oculus is a set of advanced tools for tracking social media activity. ?? Facial Recognition 2??2??M+ video surveillance cameras installed nationwide 1??M+ state-installed security cameras 3??0??% of those are equipped with facial recognition technology

In 2024, the human rights situation in Russia deteriorated significantly, marked by the systematic elimination of independent civil society, pervasive surveillance, and targeted persecution of vulnerable groups. Key aspects include comprehensive digital control, severe sentences for dissent, and state-sponsored repression. ?? Persecution of Dissent Notable political prisoners include: ?? Alexei Gorinov: Sentenced to seven years in 2022, with an additional sentence of three years in 2024 on “terrorism” charges. ?? Antonia Favorskaia: A journalist charged with participating in the activities of an extremist organization for allegedly creating and editing content for the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison. ?? Artem Kriger, Konstantin Gabov, and Sergey Karelin: Journalists tried alongside Ms. Favorskaia for their alleged involvement with the ACF. Each faces potential sentences of up to 10 years imprisonment. ?? Maria Ponomarenko: Sentenced to six years for war coverage. ?? Cultural Figures Targeted Theater: ?? Svetlana Petriychuk: Six years in prison. ?? Evgenia Berkovich: Six years in prison. Music and Art: ?? Artyom Kamardin: Seven years in prison; tortured in detention. ?? Pavel Kushnir: Died in pre-trial detention (July 2024). ?? Persecution of Youth ?? Yegor Balazeykin: At 16, sentenced to six years by a military court for throwing bottles of diesel fuel and white spirit at two military conscription centers, a form of protest against Russia's war in Ukraine. ?? Arseny Turbin: A 16-year-old sentenced to five years in a juvenile correctional colony for expressing dissent against the Russian government. Authorities accused him of participating in the Freedom of Russia Legion, a paramilitary group fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine, designated a “terrorist organization” by Russia. The charges were based on allegations that he distributed anti-government leaflets on the Legion's behalf. Turbin denied these claims, asserting that while he researched the Legion and distributed leaflets critical of the Russian government, he acted independently, without any organizational affiliation.

On March 1, 2025, a significant Russian opposition rally took place in Berlin, Germany, organized by prominent exiled opposition figures Vladimir Kara-Murza, Yulia Navalnaya, and Ilya Yashin. The demonstration began at Potsdamer Platz, proceeded through central Berlin, and concluded near the Brandenburg Gate, close to the Russian Embassy. It aimed to defend human rights in Russia, including the release of political prisoners, and to express solidarity with Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has devastated both nations, claiming countless Ukrainian and Russian lives—soldiers and civilians alike—while driving up living costs and isolating Russia economically. The event marked key anniversaries: three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, ten years since Boris Nemtsov’s assassination, and one year since Alexei Navalny’s death in prison. Inside Russia, protests against the war persist despite severe crackdowns—over 20,000 individuals have been detained since 2022 for criticizing the invasion, though public demonstrations are rare due to risks of imprisonment or worse. Alongside exiled activists, these voices reveal a Russia that rejects the war. Addressing the audience, Vladimir Kara-Murza envisioned a new Russia, emphasizing the rejection of aggression and the liberation of political prisoners. Ilya Yashin called for a “different Russia” rooted in peace and freedom, aiming to reshape global perceptions. “Let’s fight together—for political prisoners, for our fellow citizens, for our families,” he urged. Yulia Navalnaya concluded the rally, thanking attendees and reinforcing its anti-war message. Attended by 3,500 participants, the rally ended peacefully, reflecting the determination of Russia’s exiled opposition to remain visible and amplify their voice. Europe and Germany can support this cause by offering refuge to dissidents, funding independent Russian media to counter propaganda, and backing pro-democracy initiatives. ??: Evgeny Feldman / Meduza

In 2024, the human rights situation in Russia deteriorated significantly, marked by the systematic elimination of independent civil society, pervasive surveillance, and targeted persecution of vulnerable groups. Key aspects include comprehensive digital control, severe sentences for dissent, and state-sponsored repression. ?? Criminal Code Expansions Current edition of the Russian Criminal Code establishes: ?? Life imprisonment for treason ?? Up to 15 years for “spreading knowingly false information about the Russian armed forces” ?? Increased sentences for “extremism” and “terrorism” ?? VPN-related laws, criminalizing internet censorship circumvention tools ?? Treason Cases 186 treason cases have been opened since February 2022 39 convictions in 2023 alone ?? Espionage Cases 39 espionage cases have been opened since February 2022 9 convictions in 2023 ?? Notable Cases Sentences for treason often reach life imprisonment, while espionage carries penalties of up to 20 years. Accused individuals range from activists and journalists to ordinary citizens and Ukrainian nationals targeted in occupied territories. ?? Anatoly Maslov A 77-year-old physicist specializing in hypersonics, Maslov was convicted of treason in May 2023 and sentenced to 14 years in prison. ?? Sergei Andreev In November 2024, Andreev received a 24-year sentence for treason and terrorism. He was accused of committing arson at a military recruitment office under the alleged direction of Ukrainian special services. ?? Nikita Zhuravel Zhuravel's treason trial commenced in November 2024. He was accused of sending videos of Russian military equipment to Ukraine's security services. Already serving a 3.5-year sentence for burning a Quran, he now faces life imprisonment if convicted on the new charges. ?? Ksenia Khavana A dual U.S.-Russian citizen and former ballet dancer, Khavana was sentenced in August 2024 to 12 years in prison for treason after donating approximately $52 to a charity supporting Ukraine. ?? Boris Kagarlitsky A prominent sociologist and political activist, Kagarlitsky was sentenced in 2024 to five years in prison for publicly discussing the attack on the Crimean Bridge, which authorities deemed as justifying terrorism.

In 2024, the human rights situation in Russia deteriorated significantly, marked by the systematic elimination of independent civil society, pervasive surveillance, and targeted persecution of vulnerable groups. Key aspects include comprehensive digital control, severe sentences for dissent, and state-sponsored repression. ?? “Foreign Agent” Designations 8??8??0?? designations (as of December 2024) 1??4??7?? legal entities dissolved under this legislation. ?? Restrictions Individuals and organizations designated “foreign agents” are barred from participating in elections, holding public service positions, and engaging in election monitoring activities. Designated entities are required to label all content as “foreign agent produced” and are banned from receiving advertising revenue as of March 2024. ?? Notable Cultural Figures Designated Writers: Ludmila Ulitskaya, Boris Akunin Artists: Ivan Viripaev (playwright) Musicians: Bi-2 rock band (faced refoulement threats) Journalists: Dmitry Muratov (Nobel Peace Prize winner) ?? “Undesirable Organizations” Law 1??8??6?? organizations, including Free Russia Foundation, designated “undesirable,” leading to operational bans ?? ECtHR Ruling The European Court of Human Rights ruled that, by designating Free Russia Foundation “undesirable,” the Russian State violated Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and ordered compensation. ?? Anti-War Censorship Laws These laws criminalize criticism of Russia’s military actions, with expanded definitions of “discrediting the military” now including volunteers. 3??3??1?? cases opened for “spreading knowingly false information about the Russian Armed Forces” 1??9??2?? cases opened for “discrediting the Russian Armed Forces”

In 2024, the human rights situation in Russia deteriorated significantly, marked by the systematic elimination of independent civil society, pervasive surveillance, and targeted persecution of vulnerable groups. Key aspects include comprehensive digital control, severe sentences for dissent, and state-sponsored repression. As of May 2024, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 9??3??5?? criminal cases were opened for anti-war protests 9??,4??9??5?? cases were opened under Article 20.3.3 of the Russian Code on Administrative Offenses on charges of “discrediting the army” 1??9??,8??5??5?? individuals have been detained for expressing their anti-war views since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine (as of February 2024) 2??8??7?? defendants in the criminal cases of online dissent have been imprisoned (as of February 2024) According to the report by Mariana Katzarova, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, “at least 1??,3??7??2?? human rights defenders, journalists, and anti-war critics have been detained on politically motivated charges and sentenced in sham trials to lengthy imprisonment.” 1??,6??7??2??+ Ukrainian civilians have been arbitrarily detained since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine 1??4??,0??0??0??+ Ukrainian civilians are missing amid reports of systematic torture 1??9??,5??4??6?? Ukrainian children were forcibly transferred to Russia

This comprehensive analysis by Vladimir Milov, Vice President of Free Russia Foundation, examines the impact of Western sanctions on Russia's energy sector following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The report evaluates the effectiveness of various sanctions, their impact on different segments of Russia's energy industry, and provides recommendations for policymakers seeking to enhance sanctions' efficiency. ??Vladimir Milov’s full report can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dNbMUkUs

Vladimir Kara-Murza, Vice President of Free Russia Foundation, and his wife Evgenia Kara-Murza, Advocacy Director of Free Russia Foundation, participated in the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), held from February 14 to 16 in Munich, Germany. During the conference, both Vladimir and Evgenia met with Western officials to discuss the need for stronger and more coordinated Western policies toward Russia, particularly concerning sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses. The Munich Security Conference is an annual event focusing on global security issues. As one of the world's leading forums for international security policy, the MSC 2025 convened a strong group of global leaders, policymakers, and experts to address pressing security challenges, including the war in Ukraine, defense spending, and shifting dynamics of international alliances.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled on the case involving Novaya Gazeta and others against Russia. The case concerns the prosecution of journalists, media organizations, and individuals for their coverage of Russia's military operations in Ukraine. The applicants faced criminal and administrative charges, as well as media shutdowns, for allegedly “discrediting” the Russian military and spreading “false” information. The Court examined violations of freedom of expression and other human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Below is the executive summary of the ruling ??