A tragic incident has occurred as a Russian activist has passed away while in prison. Prior to his death, he had spoken out about being subjected to torture and expressed concerns for his safety. This marks the first reported death in custody of a Russian opponent of the war in Ukraine.
The activist, Anatoly Berezikov, was 40 years old and had been detained by the police in his hometown of Rostov-on-Don. He was charged with misdemeanors, which he denied. During his last court appearance, Berezikov informed a local human rights activist that he had been targeted due to his involvement in the antiwar initiative called “I Want to Live.” This initiative aimed to aid Russian servicemen in Ukraine who wished to surrender.
According to the police in the Rostov region, Berezikov was found lifeless in his cell, with authorities suggesting that it was a suicide. However, they have declined to reveal further details. No official statements regarding Berezikov’s death have been released.
Berezikov’s demise is believed to be the first death in Russian police custody related to opposition against the invasion of Ukraine. Since the commencement of the war, numerous Russians have been detained under strict laws criminalizing dissent. However, most of them were released shortly afterward.
Out of around 600 Russians facing criminal charges connected to their opposition to the war, 37 individuals have reported incidents of torture, according to Dasha Korolenko, a lawyer from the human rights advocacy group OVD-Info.
Irina Gak, Berezikov’s lawyer, disclosed that her client had informed her of broken ribs and marks on his body resembling stun gun injuries just a day prior to his death. In a video shared by OVD-Info on social media, Gak stated that Berezikov had expressed fear for his life and had been subjected to threats.
Tatyana Sporysheva, a local human rights activist, had conversed with Berezikov at court two weeks before his death. She described him as being in a state of shock and struggling with basic tasks such as writing. Sporysheva recalled that despite his condition, Berezikov was eager to share details about himself.
Berezikov was known in the local activist community as a government opponent who had previously been detained for participating in rallies supporting Russian opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny. Described as an introverted man with eccentric tendencies, Berezikov worked as an electronics repairman and was a passionate amateur mechanic who constructed homemade synthesizers and tattoo machines. In the winter months, he rode his bike in freezing weather wearing shorts and a Santa hat to uplift the spirits of fellow residents.
Due to Rostov-on-Don’s proximity to the Azov Sea and its role as a major military logistics hub for Russia’s war efforts, antiwar activism in the city has become increasingly perilous. Following his arrest, Berezikov faced multiple minor charges including hooliganism, allowing authorities to keep him in custody. Sporysheva revealed that an intelligence officer had visited Berezikov in prison and informed him of the authorities’ awareness of his antiwar poster campaign.
Berezikov’s most recent sentence of 15 days was expected to conclude on Thursday, but he had predicted during his last court appearance that he would not survive until then, stating, “I won’t live to June 15.”
In reporting this story, Alina Lobzina contributed to the information presented.
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