A civic activist from Kirov has been released from a penal colony after being convicted of discrediting the army.

Svetlana Marina has been released from Penal Settlement No. 21 in Kirovo-Chepetsk, a city in the Kirov region, after being sentenced for her criticism of the slain “military correspondent” Vladlen Tatarsky, reports RusNews. She was met at the exit by a support group with flowers.

Marina spoke about how her supporters helped her during her imprisonment:

“Civil society gave me tremendous support. I received a lot of letters. People were worried and concerned for me. While I had a button phone with me, I was getting calls almost every day.

We truly have wonderful people, wonderful people living abroad too, they supported me so well, raised money for me. I’m very grateful to everyone who supported me. Thank you, everyone. Thank you so much.”

In March 2024, the activist was sentenced to a year and a half of compulsory labour, but in November she was sent to a penal settlement instead.

The harsher sentence was sought by the administration of the correctional centre where Marina was first held. Staff there accused her of regime violations and issued reprimands for various reasons. Because she baked belyashi (fried meat pastries) with yeast dough (prisoners are forbidden from keeping yeast), Marina was sent to a penalty cell for violations.

With the help of our “Vestočka” service, you can support political prisoners who are still in pre-trial detention centres and colonies by sending them a letter.