A criminal case has been opened against an emigrated poet and activist from Barnaul, a major city in Siberia, under two articles.

A criminal case has been opened against the poet and activist from Barnaul, a major city in Siberia, Artyom Sakharov under two articles; he currently lives outside Russia. Sakharov himself told OVD-Info about the case.

Sakharov has been charged under articles for justifying terrorism (part 2, article 205.2 of the Criminal Code) and repeated discrediting of the army (part 1, article 280.3 of the Criminal Code). The specific grounds for the case are not yet known. In early December, Sakharov was declared wanted by the authorities.

Artyom Sakharov is a poet, student, and participant in Yulia Navalnaya’s forum. Previously, Sakharov was brought to administrative liability four times due to anti-war statements and for laying flowers after Navalny’s death. In November 2024, the activist left Russia.

Sakharov told OVD-Info: I expected this and that’s why a year ago I was forced to leave Russia. The Eshniki (Centre for Combating Extremism police) told me directly: “They’ll find something to charge you with.” Now I definitely will not be able to return to my homeland until the Putin regime is destroyed. This only increases my motivation to keep working, but a line has now been drawn for good. […] It is not a pleasant situation, but I did manage to evacuate from Russia in time and I’m glad about that. I do not consider myself a criminal, and I will continue my activities.