The week in review.
For the week of May 11-18, 2026, monitoring recorded 5 new arrests, 654 updated case records, no reviewed developments, and 30 news items across the tracked region. The total number of political prisoners stands at 4920.
All 5 new arrests occurred in Russia, involving Andrei Pirogov, Boliyor Khalikov, Galibzhon Ibragimov, Mehron Naibova, and Wisam Ali Bardwil. Pirogov, a 60-year-old Ukrainian, was arrested in Moscow on espionage charges after months of what sources described as "carousel arrests."
Belarus accounted for the majority of updated cases with 619 records, followed by Russia with 22. Notable updated cases in Belarus included journalists Dzianis Ivashyn, Ljudmila Czekina, Vital Czopik, and Kiryl Paznyak, along with activists Alena Lazarchyk and Vasil Hračykha. Several individuals faced charges related to social media activity.
The week saw significant sentencing activity in Russia. A former Ministry of Defense employee received 22 years for plotting to blow up ships in Tambov. A St. Petersburg resident was sentenced to 20 years and ordered to pay Gazprom 4.5 billion rubles for involvement with the Freedom of Russia Legion. Other sentences included 16 years for espionage, 15 years for "defecting to the enemy side," 12 years for transferring $150 to a Ukrainian fund, and 10 years for attempting to join an opposition group. News coverage also highlighted concerns in Tajikistan regarding the murder of religious figure Domullo Abdumannon, with opposition leader Muhiddin Kabiri alleging government involvement.
New arrests remained unchanged from the previous week at 5 cases, while updated case records decreased from 941 to 654.
Former Ministry of Defense and military prosecutor employee sentenced to 22 years for plot to blow up ships in Tambov
A former official from the Ministry of Defense and military prosecutor's office has received a 22-year prison sentence. The conviction is related to a plot to sabotage vessels in Tambov.
Zona Media · May 17, 2026 ↗St. Petersburg resident sentenced to 20 years and ordered to pay Gazprom 4.5 billion rubles for involvement in Freedom of Russia Legion
A man from St. Petersburg received a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement with the Freedom of Russia Legion. Additionally, he was ordered to pay over 4.5 billion rubles to a Gazprom structure.
Zona Media · May 17, 2026 ↗St. Petersburg woman sentenced to 16 years for spying on Ministry of Defense general for SBU
A female resident of St. Petersburg has been sentenced to 16 years in a penal colony. She was convicted of monitoring a Ministry of Defense general on behalf of the SBU.
Zona Media · May 17, 2026 ↗Crimean native sentenced to 15 years in prison for 'defecting to the enemy side'
A native of Crimea has been sentenced to 15 years in a penal colony. The conviction was based on charges of 'defecting to the side of the enemy'.
Zona Media · May 12, 2026 ↗Orenburg resident detained at an airport sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to join the RDK
An individual from Orenburg, who was detained at an airport, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. The charges involve an attempt to join the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK).
Zona Media · May 12, 2026 ↗Leningrad Oblast resident sentenced to 12 years in prison for transferring $150 to a Ukrainian fund during the first month of the war
A resident of the Leningrad region received a 12-year prison sentence. The conviction stems from a $150 donation made to a Ukrainian fund at the start of the war.
Zona Media · May 12, 2026 ↗