Weekly Update

Read our selection of the past week’s news: Rights in Russia week-ending 27 March 2020

Listen to our latest podcast [in Russian]; our guest this week is Dmitry Makarov, co-chair of the Moscow Helsinki Group: Simon & Sergei: Human rights in Russia – with Dmitry Makarov
– You can also find these podcasts on iTunes and Spotify

“We are in the same situation as all other countries. […] In these conditions, responsible behaviour is not only in opposition to the regime.”
– Aleksandr Cherkasov considers the emergency measures introduced to combat the current public health emergency. Translated by Nathalie Corbett, Simon Cosgrove and Nathalie Wilson  

“We must exercise our imaginations and use all the channels possible to call on our fellow citizens to refuse to support the amendments.” 
– Sergei Davidis argues for a campaign against the proposed constitutional amendments. Translated by Mark Nuckols and Joanne Reynolds

“The one thing that interests me about your position right now, is what you will say and write the day after taking part in the vote? Please, think about that.” 
– Yury Samodurov urges people not to take part in the proposed vote on constitutional amendments in Russia. Translated by Mark Nuckols

“The vote on 22 April should be cancelled. Not only is it illegal and unconstitutional, it is also a mortal danger for millions of our fellow citizens.” 
– Lev Ponomarev argues for the cancellation of the vote on the proposed constitutional amendments [the vote has since been postponed]. Translated by Anna Bowles  

“I believe that access to justice for our fellow citizens is being seriously hindered. It’s not being hindered selectively, but for the whole country. It’s dangerous. It’s clear that courts of first instance will suffer most.” 
– Sergei Pashin on the impact of the Coronavirus on the delivery of justice in Russia. Translated by Mercedes Malcomson

“[…] to date there has not been a single instance of a ‘lifer’ being granted early parole, even though some of them have already been in prison for over 25 years. Instead of trying to solve Russia’s problems, the authorities prefer to pretend that they simply don’t exist.” – Vera Vasilieva considers the lack of parole for those sentenced to life in prison in Russia. Translated by Suzanne Eade Roberts and Joanne Reynolds.

“Danil Belgets, who was convicted following the summer’s protests, has had the terms of his sentence relaxed. The courts resolved to move him from an ordinary prison to an open prison. At the same time, the censor of a remand centre in Kursk blocked the delivery of 33 New Year’s cards addressed to Nikita Chirtsov, another defendant in the Moscow Case.” – OVD-Info in its Weekly Bulletin continues to follow the fates of those jailed in the so-called ‘Moscow Case’. Translated by Judith Fagelson.

“In reality, though, asserting the right to be forgotten isn’t straightforward. So, in this piece we talk about how it works, why the law comes in for  criticism, and who else in Russia has wanted to hide their life story. As for personal data, this is always a contentious issue.” – Team 29 in its latest weekly update considers the right to be forgotten and the issue of personal data on the Internet. Translated by Lindsay Munford.