Vitaly Zhuravlyov, accused of discrediting Russian Army, declared political prisoner

Human rights defenders have recognized Vitaly Zhuravlyov, a resident of the Astrakhan Region, convicted under the article on repeated discrediting the Russian Army, as a political prisoner and demanded that his criminal prosecution be stopped and he be released.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in December 2023, the Akhtubinsky District Court fined Zhuravlyov under the administrative article on discrediting the Russian Army. The reason for the fine was in his post placed in the "VKontakte" social network, containing a Putin’s photo with a critical comment addressed to Russians. In June 2024, Zhuravlyov became a suspect in a criminal case on discrediting Russian militaries in his comment in a social network criticizing the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine. In December 2024, the court sentenced Zhuravlyov to two years in colony.

"The case against Zhuravlyov violates his rights to express an opinion and to a fair trial," the page of the human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners Memorial"* has stated.

The article on repeated discrediting the Russian Army, under which Zhuravlyov was convicted, efficiently prohibits any criticism of the SMO and Russian authorities, and also violates the right to the freedom of expression. Besides, punishment for repeated "discrediting" essentially means bringing to justice for the same act twice, which also contradicts the basic law principles, human rights defenders have pointed out.

They have emphasized that the image for which Zhuravlyov was brought to administrative responsibility is a form of political satire that poses no danger to the society. Also, any comments criticizing the SMO pose no danger to the society and cannot be the basis for a criminal case.

"Recognizing a person as a political prisoner does not mean either the consent of the Human Rights Project "Support for Political Prisoners "Memorial"* with his views and statements, no any approval of his statements or actions," the message has concluded.

*Included by the Russian Ministry of Justice (MoJ) into the register of foreign agents.