Human rights activists have recognized Sergei Samoilov as a political prisoner.

The persecution of Krasnodar resident Sergei Samoilov, sentenced to 12 years in prison for treason, is politically motivated, human rights activists have said, calling for the criminal case against him to be dropped.

"Caucasian Knot" reported that the Rostov Regional Court in June sentenced civilian pilot Sergei Samoilov to 12 years in a maximum-security prison colony for treason for financing the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The "Support for Political Prisoners. Memorial" project* has recognized Krasnodar resident Sergei Samoilov as a political prisoner.

Human rights activists noted that the FSB began actively pursuing cases under the article on treason in the form of "providing financial assistance to a foreign state" (Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code) after the start of the internal military operations in Ukraine.

The crime under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code can only be committed with direct intent. The totality of known circumstances suggests that he did not intend to harm the security of the Russian Federation when making the money transfers, human rights activists note.

The independent human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners." Memorial* pointed out that, according to international guidelines defining the term "political prisoner," the criminal case against Sergei Samoilov is politically motivated. His imprisonment was imposed in violation of his right to a fair trial and other rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Independent human rights project "Support for Political Prisoners." Memorial* considers Sergei Samoilov a political prisoner and demands his release and an end to his criminal prosecution, the statement said.

* are listed as foreign agents.

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