The case of environmental activist Olga Kuzmina, who protested with a crossbow in a tree against a construction project

On 9 August 2021, Olga Kuzmina, a Moscow resident, held a protest against a construction project being carried out as part of the renovation programme at 15 Yantarnaya Street. She considered the actions of the authorities and developers illegal—and to protest, she climbed a tree and tied herself to it, bringing with her a non-functioning crossbow.

Initially, Kuzmina was arrested for six days, and later a criminal investigation was launched on charges of hooliganism (part 2 of article 213 of the Criminal Code). On 17 August 2021, she was placed under house arrest. The activist is represented by a lawyer who works with OVD-Info.

The investigation claims that the activist did not act alone and “entered into a criminal conspiracy with unidentified persons.” Prosecutors assert that she planned to “defend herself” using “a pre-prepared item used as a weapon”—the crossbow.

However, the prosecution emphasises that the crossbow is not a weapon and can be used for sport and recreation. Previously, lawyer Tatyana Solomina also drew attention to this point.

In September 2021, the investigators requested that Kuzmina be forcibly hospitalised so that her mental health could be evaluated. The Babushkinsky Court approved the request, and the Moscow City Court later upheld the decision. In August 2023, the activist was ordered to undergo compulsory treatment.