Human rights defenders recognize Oleg Orlov* as political prisoner

Oleg Orlov* has been sentenced in a criminal case on discrediting the Russian Army because of his human rights activities, suggests the human rights project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial”. The human rights defenders demanded from the authorities to release Oleg Orlov*.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on February 27, Oleg Orlov*, the co-chair of the “Memorial” Centre for Human Rights Defence*, was found guilty in the criminal case on discrediting the Russian Armed Forces and sentenced to 2.5 years of imprisonment.

The human rights project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial” recognizes Oleg Orlov* as a political prisoner, since the article about the repeated discrediting of the Russian Armed Forces “was created to suppress dissent” after the start of the special military operation in Ukraine. “The article effectively prohibits any criticism of [the special military operation] and the Russian authorities. It violates the right to freedom of expression,” the human rights defenders’ message emphasizes.

Oleg Orlov* was “sent to jail for his [human rights] activities,” the human rights project “Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial” stated. “Being a human rights defender, Oleg Orlov* defends the rights and freedoms of a person and citizen in Russia, including freedom of expression ... The trial in the criminal case against Oleg Orlov* once again exposed the essence of the Russian regime,” the message points out.

Let us remind you that the reason for accusing Oleg Orlov* was the Russian translation of his article in the French publication “Mediapart” posted on Facebook**. It condemns the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine.

*On March 21, 2022, the Tverskoi Court of Moscow banned the activities in Russia of the Meta Company, owning the Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, in connection with extremist activities.