Human rights activists have recognized convicted Rostov resident Gennady Novitsky as a political prisoner.

Rostov-on-Don resident Gennady Novitsky, convicted of confidential cooperation with foreigners, fell victim to a provocation by security forces.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot," in 2024, the Rostov Regional Court sentenced 61-year-old local resident Gennady Novitsky to 3.5 years in prison and a fine of 700,000 rubles, finding him guilty of attempting to confidentially cooperate with a foreign state. The security forces identified themselves as employees of the Security Service of Ukraine, and Novitsky expressed a desire to assist the Ukrainian special services in correspondence, the prosecution claimed.

Human rights activists who examined the case of 62-year-old Gennady Novitsky from Rostov-on-Don have recognized him as a political prisoner. Novitsky, who worked as a security guard before his arrest in February 2024, was convicted as a result of illegal actions by security forces, according to the "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" project*.

"The security forces do not hide the fact that they used provocation against Gennady Novitsky—such actions by the FSB are illegal. Even if he had communicated with the SBU, his offer of assistance would not be a crime," the project's publication states.

Furthermore, human rights activists insist on the repeal of the article on confidential cooperation with foreigners, as it contradicts the principle of legal certainty. Its wording could include any private correspondence "with people who, in the opinion of the Russian authorities, may be members or employees of international organizations, foreign companies, or simply foreigners or individuals with dual citizenship," and this article of the Criminal Code lacks any explanation of what specific activities are considered directed against the security of the Russian Federation. Therefore, "the entire charge of 'establishing cooperative relations for the purpose of assisting in activities' is unlawful, vague, and unconvincing."

“It is completely impossible for citizens to determine in advance which actions and contacts with potential representatives of foreign and international organizations, or simply foreigners, are lawful, and which are prohibited under threat of criminal prosecution. The criminality of the act stipulated by this article is linked solely to the fact of a Russian citizen's interaction with foreigners, to whom a presumption of hostility applies, while the perpetrator of the crime is presumed to be aware of the future use by foreigners of the results of his legal activity. This structure is not only legally untenable but simply absurd,” human rights activists point out, emphasizing that all prosecutions under this article must cease.

* are listed as foreign agents.

** Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.