The leader of the Chuvashia independence movement has been put on trial in absentia in Russia.

The Kalininsky District Court of Cheboksary has begun an in absentia trial of Mikhail Oreshnikov, the leader of the movement for the independence of Chuvashia, who is accused of making extremist calls online (part 2 of article 280 of the Criminal Code) and inciting hatred (point “a” of part 2 of article 282 of the Criminal Code). Oreshnikov shared this on his Telegram channel.

According to the case card on the court’s website, the case began to be heard on the merits on 21 July. Oreshnikov published a court summons in which he was asked to attend the next hearing, scheduled for 24 July.

“Unfortunately, I cannot personally attend your in absentia court, as I live in another country, and your court is fake anyway, but I can send my drone lawyer, who specialises in court proceedings. Therefore, I ask you to reschedule the hearing to a time more convenient for drones to work, indicating the available time slots,” wrote Oreshnikov.

The exact reason for the criminal case is unknown.

In 2023, relatives of the activist had their home searched, and Oreshnikov himself was soon arrested in absentia. At that time, the case card listed articles relating to the use of violence against a representative of the authorities (part 1 of article 318 of the Criminal Code) and incitement of hatred.

In 2014, a case was opened against Oreshnikov for using violence against a police officer. The Telegram channel “Angry Chuvashia” reported that the case was initiated after the activist was beaten by police officers. He was detained while planning to organise a May Day demonstration in support of Ukraine.

Due to persecution, Oreshnikov left Russia for Ukraine, where he still lives today. In 2022, the activist founded a movement fighting for Chuvashia’s independence. While Oreshnikov was living in Russia, he led the local Chuvashia branch of the far-right movement “Restrukt.”