Public outcry helps improve conditions of detention of activist Melikhova at SIZO

Marina Melikhova, convicted in a case on discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, thanked activists for their support and publicity of the violation of her rights, since thanks to the people’s support and public outcry, the administration of the SIZO (pre-trial prison) in Armavir improved the conditions of detention.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on April 27, the court fined activist Marina Melikhova 30,000 roubles, finding her guilty under the administrative article on discrediting the Russian Armed Forces.

Marina Melikhova is to be released on May 31, her advocate says.

“The activist was sentenced to one and a half years of imprisonment, but the term expires on May 31, because being in custody for one day is counted as serving a sentence for one and a half days,” Maria Spasibukhova explained.

The advocate says that her client does not plead guilty to discrediting the Russian Armed Forces, because she did not discredit the Russian Army, but expressed her negative attitude towards the special military operation, to which she has the right to do as a citizen of the country. The advocate recalls that the examination has been carried out by an expert who is biased towards everyone who expresses their opinion about the special military operation (SMO). The above fact has been recognized by the Supreme Court (SC), which, based thereon, has already cancelled a number of decisions on discrediting the Russian Armed Forces.

Advocate Maria Spasibukhova also emphasizes that Marina Melikhova thanks all the activists, since the public outcry has helped her achieve improved conditions at the SIZO. “She is being kept together with another woman, a former activist. Their cell is good, large, light, and it’s been recently renovated,” the advocate explained.