Memorial issues a warning to those planning to visit Russia

In the vast majority of cases, their actions are qualified as treason. We are also talking about finding guilty under articles related to terrorism, financing of extremist activities and illegal armed groups.

The society calls on those who intend to come to Russia, even for a short period, to carefully weigh the risks. It notes that people who previously did not arouse the interest of the authorities can now be arrested and convicted – also because the repressive authorities cannot allow a decline in the indicators on which bonuses and promotions depend.

“So, we do not recommend that you return to Russia or the occupied territories, even for a short time and for the most urgent matters, if you:

– In the Russian Federation or abroad, donations were made to any Ukrainian funds and initiatives, even for purely humanitarian purposes, as well as to funds helping Ukraine and refugees from there;

– In the Russian Federation or abroad, donations were made to FBK, as well as to other organizations recognized in Russia as extremist, terrorist and undesirable;

– Previously interacted with such organizations, even before they were declared extremist, terrorist and undesirable in the Russian Federation;

– In the Russian Federation, you took part in opposition and anti-war protests, were detained and brought to administrative responsibility, you were summoned for questioning at police departments, a local police officer came to you to warn you about the inadmissibility of participating in uncoordinated actions;

– Wrote anti-war or harsh opposition posts or comments on any social networks, including before February 2022 or in the first days after the start of a full-scale invasion (even if you later, as you think, deleted them);

– Having gone abroad, they posted photos and videos of their participation in protests there or photos of Ukrainian symbols;

– You have not checked yourself against the search database or have not received a certificate of no criminal record through State Services to check information about criminal prosecution to ensure that a criminal case has not been brought against you.

– You live or lived for a significant time in Ukraine, were there during the period of a full-scale invasion (and this is reflected in your international passport or Russian border bases), you are a citizen of Ukraine.

As follows from our review, if any of the above concerns you, if you arrive in the Russian Federation, you will most likely face criminal prosecution, arrest and a long term of imprisonment. We ask you to disseminate this information and warn your loved ones and acquaintances who may be affected by this risk,” Memorial reports.