27 October 2024
Source: Facebook
Today marks the 60th birthday of a prominent Russian political prisoner and former head of Moscow’s Serpukhov district, Aleksandr Shestun.
We rarely had any personal interactions during his life outside of prison; perhaps the last time was in September 2011 in Moscow, at the 70th birthday celebrations of our mutual friend, Lev Ponomarev. Another notable attendee at that event was my most significant client in my career as an attorney—Boris Nemtsov.
By the early 2010s, it seemed quite clear to me that under the era of “developed Putinism,” it was impossible to align oneself with the executive branch of Russian power without becoming ensnared in its criminal orbit at some level.
However, from the Serpukhov district, which Aleksandr Shestun headed, came intriguing reports that he not only actively advanced the interests of the region for the benefit of its people, but also stood his ground with the federal authorities, at times even setting his own agenda.
Then it all came to an end—Aleksandr Shestun was taken into custody and sentenced on a whole array of so-called “crimes.” These included charges of “Violent threats or actions in connection with the judicial administration,” “Insulting a government official,” and more recently, “Use of non-life-threatening violence against a prison employee.” It’s obvious that these charges were fabricated by the investigators.
So, how did Aleksandr Shestun respond to this attack? He didn’t resort to the favorite tactic of many so-called “systemic liberals” who, when targeted by the security services, cry out, “Joseph Vissario… I mean, Vladimir Vladimirovich! This is a terrible mistake!”
Instead, Aleksandr Shestun publicly released audio evidence of the criminal activities of one of the pillars of Putin’s brutal regime, the infamous state security general Ivan Tkachev. I have no doubt that the many “exploits” of this figure will be the subject of thorough investigation in the future—regardless of who ultimately takes power in Russia in years to come.
But, predictably, the regime did not forgive Aleksandr Shestun for taking this step. He’s being tormented in prison, while his family is, essentially, left homeless and without any means of support. Very few examples come to mind of families—children and spouses—who engage so deeply in the life of an incarcerated person and fight so hard for their release.
I am certain that every effort must be made to ensure that any future ceasefire or other form of resolution to Putin’s bloody war will, without fail, include the unconditional release of ALL Russian political prisoners by the Putin regime. This must also include Aleksandr Shestun, who has presented us all with irrefutable evidence of the criminal activities of the security service apologists of this regime, including one of its chief criminals, “General” Ivan Tkachev.
To Aleksandr, I wish strength and an unwavering belief in the path he’s chosen.
Happy birthday—even if it must be celebrated behind bars!
Translated by James Lofthouse
