Memorial recognized 18-year-old activist Maksim Lypkan as a political prisoner, who was arrested in the case of “fakes” about the Russian army.
“We are sure that Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation contradicts the Russian Constitution, Russia's international obligations and the basic principles of law. This article criminalizes almost any statements about the use of the Russian Armed Forces and the activities of its government agencies abroad. The time and context of the appearance of Art. 207.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation – after the start of large-scale Russian military aggression against Ukraine – allow us to assert that this article was specially created as a tool for persecuting critics of the actions of the Russian authorities, including Maksim Lypkan, ”the Memorial statement says.
On February 22, the Khamovnichesky District Court of Moscow sent Lypkan to a pre-trial detention center until April 20. Lypkan was accused of spreading “fakes” about the Russian army motivated by political hatred (clause “e” of Part 2 of Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code).
The case was opened because of an interview with Radio Liberty published on February 18. The activist told reporters about anti-war actions and about an attempt to coordinate with the Moscow City Hall the “Year of Hell” action on Lubyanka Square on February 24.
Maksim's lawyer told the Astra Telegram channel earlier that his client is being pressured – cellmates mock him and threaten that he will fall into the lower prison caste of "roosters".