Defence appeals against arrest of Krasnodar activist Vyazov

The advocates of Andrei Vyazov, an activist, arrested in Krasnodar on February 17, after a rally in memory of Alexei Navalny, have filed a complaint against the arrest decision. Because of Vyazov's arrest, his elderly relatives were left without help, his girlfriend has informed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a court in Krasnodar had arrested Andrei Vyazov for 14 days, treating his use of a banner from Navalny's presidential campaign during the picket as a demonstration of the symbols of a banned organization.

According to Alexei Avanesyan, an advocate, the judge should have ordered a heraldic examination of the sticker with the inscription "Navalny" in order to establish that it was not classified as a prohibited symbol of the FBK* and Navalny's offices*.

According to Irina Filippova, Vyazov's girlfriend, Andrei's arrest has scared his mother and grandmother. "The situation in their family is very difficult. Andrei is the only breadwinner; his grandmother is 93 years old. Before the New Year, she broke her leg and needs constant care. His mother is a pensioner and needs help," said Irina, expressing gratitude to the volunteers, who help Andrei's family during his arrest.

"Andrei complained to me about poor custody conditions at the SIZO (pre-trial prison)," Irina has added.

Mikhail Benyash**, a former advocate, has known Vyazov for a long time as an active and caring person. "He has long been an election observer from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF). He is an honest and principled person," he said.

*The Anti-Corruption Foundation (known as FBK) was included into the register of foreign agents, recognized as an extremist organization and banned in the territory of the Russian Federation.

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