ECtHR accepts complaint of Sochi activist Vladimir Atamanchuk for consideration

Vladimir Atamanchuk, a Sochi pensioner, sent a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) against his criminal prosecution under the article on discrediting the Russian Army. The ECtHR has responded that the complaint had been accepted for consideration.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Vladimir Atamanchuk, an activist, who was fined twice for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, was detained on September 7, 2022, on charges of disobedience to law enforcers. This October, it became known that a criminal case was opened against Atamanchuk under an article on discrediting the Russian Army. The pensioner complained about pressure from law enforcers, who convinced him to abandon his advocate in favour of the one appointed by the state.

On October 17, Atamanchuk received an email from the ECtHR stating that his complaint had been accepted for consideration. According to his story, he had waited a year for the complaint to be accepted; he managed to file his complaint before the Russian Federation left the Council of Europe.

"I complained that, for political reasons, in one case I was sentenced to five days for protesting against the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine, and the second time I was put in custody for ten days; then I was fined by 30,000 and 50,000 roubles; and finally a criminal case was opened for discrediting the Russian Army – for the image of dove of peace in my poster," Vladimir has explained.

According to his story, he has no hope for any monetary compensation, but hopes for justice. Besides, Atamanchuk has complained that he failed so far to find an advocate who would assist him and represent his interests at the ECtHR.