Elena Romanova (Blinova), an activist from Chuvashia, was sentenced to two years of forced labor for participating in the activities of Vyacheslav Maltsev's socio-political association Artpodgotovka, Idel.Realii reports from her words. Romanova will also be withheld 10% of her earnings in favor of the state.
The Leninsky District Court of Cheboksary found the activist guilty under Part 2 of Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code (participation in the activities of an extremist organization). "Artpodgotovka" is recognized as an "extremist" and "terrorist" organization in Russia. Romanova is charged with 11 episodes proving her participation in this movement.
According to the description of the last episode, in 2018 the activist publicly invited the candidate for the presidency of Russia from the Communist Party Pavel Grudinin to take part in a live broadcast together with Maltsev. As evidence of this fact, the investigation cites media reports and posts on social networks.
Earlier, the prosecutor requested a sentence of three years in prison for Romanova. After the verdict was announced, Romanova stated that she did not agree with the verdict and intended to appeal it. She stressed that "the case should have been closed."
In 2017, Romanova was fired from kindergarten for participating in an anti-corruption rally by Alexei Navalny. Romanova's complaint about illegal dismissal is pending before the European Court of Human Rights.
In 2021, the activist’s apartment was searched in connection with her participation in the activities of an extremist organization, and she herself was detained. Romanova was later released on bail.