Human rights activists have recognized Konstantin Bernatov as a political prisoner.

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The sentence of Stavropol Krai resident Konstantin Bernatov, convicted of financing extremist activity, is politically motivated and illegal, according to human rights activists.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot", in January, a court in Budyonnovsk sentenced Konstantin Bernatov to three years in prison, finding him guilty of financing extremist activity.

Guided by international criteria, human rights activists found Stavropol Krai resident Konstantin Bernatov A political prisoner, the "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" project reported on February 6.

The project notes that Bernatov's criminal prosecution became known only after his sentencing. It is also reported that the amount he donated to the Anti-Corruption Foundation** is unknown.

It states that human rights activists consider the designation of the Anti-Corruption Foundation** as extremist "politically motivated and illegal." Bernatov's criminal prosecution is based on an unlawful decision by the Moscow City Court and is also politically motivated and illegal, the project's publication states.

"The criminal case against Konstantin Bernatov violates the rights to freedom of association and a fair trial," writes "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial"*, which also clarifies that recognizing a person as a political prisoner does not mean the project agrees with their views and statements or approves of their statements and actions.

* added to the register of foreign agents.

** * The Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) is included in the register of foreign agents, designated as extremist, and banned in Russia. The foundation's founder, Alexei Navalny, was added to the Rosfinmonitoring list of extremists and terrorists and was sentenced to 19 years in prison on extremism charges. He died in prison in February 2024. Navalny is recognized as a "prisoner of conscience." The "Caucasian Knot" article "Navalny: The Caucasian Dimension" outlines the opposition leader's views on issues related to the Caucasus.

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