Denys Yezhov is a political prisoner

A Ukrainian from Crimea has been sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for shouting ‘Glory to Ukraine! Ukraine will prevail!’

The ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project, in accordance with international standards, considers Denys Yezhov a political prisoner. Yezhov was convicted on a criminal charge of ‘discrediting’ the Russian army for shouting out a pro-Ukrainian slogan. Yezhov’s criminal prosecution and conviction violated his rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial. We demand the immediate release of Denys Yezhov and that all criminal charges against him be dropped.

What were the charges against Denys Yezhov?

In March 2023, Denys Yezhov, a Ukrainian citizen living in annexed Crimea, was fined under administrative law for ‘discrediting’ the Russian army after ‘he expressed his opposition to the special military operation in a public place’.

On 11 February 2024, Yezhov again drew police attention by shouting ‘Glory to Ukraine! Ukraine will prevail!’ in public. Since this occurred less than a year after the previous administrative law penalty, he was charged with the criminal offence of repeated ‘discrediting’ of the army (Article 280.3, Part 1 of the Russian Criminal Code).

On 29 August 2024, a court in Alushta fined Yezhov 100,000 roubles. However, on 22 October 2024, a court of appeal increased the severity of the sentence, replacing the fine with one year in a general regime penal colony and a one-year ban on administering websites following release.

Why do we consider Denys Yezhov a political prisoner?

The law on repeated ‘discrediting’ of the army was introduced after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and serves as a tool for silencing dissent. The law effectively prohibits criticism of the war or of the actions of the Russian authorities, violating the right to freedom of expression and contradicting the principle of legal certainty.

Furthermore, punishment for repeated ‘discrediting’ amounts to double jeopardy (prosecution twice for one and the same act) in violation of fundamental legal principles. This article of the Criminal Code must be rescinded, all related convictions quashed, and ongoing charges dropped.

The charge of ‘discrediting’ the army for simply voicing slogans in support of Ukraine is especially absurd. The interpretation of these words as being directed against the Russian army is based solely on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. These slogans clearly cannot be seen as discrediting anything, even given their broadest interpretation.

No one should be prosecuted for expressing an opinion or showing support for Ukraine. The fact that a Ukrainian citizen is being prosecuted for this on occupied territory is particularly outrageous.

A detailed description of Denys Yezhov’s case and of our position is available on our website.

Recognition of an individual as a political prisoner does not imply the ‘Political Prisoners. Memorial’ human rights project agrees with, or approves of, their views, statements, or actions.

How can you help?

If you have information as to where Denys Yezhov is being held, please contact our Telegram bot or email us at [email protected].

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