10:36, 13 November 2018

AI declares Rostov Maltsev's supporters in Rostov prisoners of conscience

Yan Sidorov, Vladislav Mordasov and Vyacheslav Shashmin, accused of attempting to take part in mass riots, are prisoners of conscience and should be immediately released, the human rights organization "Amnesty International" (AI) has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on November 5, 2017, the Southern Russia hosted the actions initiated by oppositionist Vyacheslav Maltsev; 13 activists were detained were in Rostov-on-Don. According to investigators, the action was organized by Mordasov and Sidorov, administrators of the Telegram chat, where they discussed plans for organizing mass riots. The charge was also brought against Vyacheslav Shashmin.

Mordasov and Sidorov came out into the square with posters "Government, resign!" and "Return land to Rostov fire victims!"

The criminal prosecution of activists is groundless; and the charges against them are fabricated, the AI says in its statement.

According to Sidorov and Mordasov, during interrogations, policemen forced them to confess to preparing riots. They were insulted, threatened with rape, and brutally beaten up.

The young people face up to 15 years in prison.

Earlier, the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial" declared Mordasov and Sidorov to be political prisoners.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on November 13, 2018 at 02:45 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.