Activist Larisa Baragunova sentenced to three years in colony

The court has found Larisa Baragunova, a pensioner from the city of Tyrnyauz, guilty of attacking law enforcers and sentenced her to three years in penal colony. In her final statement, she stated that her prosecution had to do with the activities of the "USSR Trade Union"* organization.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 13, 2023, Larisa Baragunova, the head of the "USSR Trade Union"*, was placed in custody in Nalchik. She is not receiving the necessary medical treatment at the SIZO (pre-trial prison), her relatives have complained.

The 67-year-old Baragunova is accused of beating two law enforcers who came to her home to conduct a search.

The author of the blog entitled "Nalchik and Neighbours. Caucasus in Search of Justice" that he runs on the "Caucasian Knot" has reported that given her detention at the SIZO, Baragunova will have to spend at least 10 months more there.

He has noted that law enforcers tried to find a reason to persecute Baragunova, in particular, to initiate a fraud case; she was also charged with extremism, which was later dropped.

"Baragunova said that she was being tried for the fact that members of the 'Trade Union'* didn't pay for utilities – this is exactly why they tried to accuse her of extremism," says the message.

The blogger is sure that Baragunova was punished for critical statements about regional authorities and law enforcement bodies.

*A fake trade union (opened in 2019 and closed in 2023 in Saint Petersburg) that promised its members, in exchange for membership fees, not to pay for utility services.