Open Democracy: How Russian security services are targeting Russian anarchists and anti-fascists

Published April 27, 2018 at 12:41 pm

Russian artist Pyotr Pavlensky, accused of vandalism after torching the doors to the headquarters of the FSB security service, the successor to the KGB, the previous day, stands inside a defendants' cage during a hearing at a court in Moscow on November 10, 2015. AFP PHOTO / DMITRY SEREBRYAKOV / AFP PHOTO / DMITRY SEREBRYAKOVRussian artist Pyotr Pavlensky, accused of vandalism after torching the doors to the headquarters of the FSB security service, the successor to the KGB, the previous day, stands inside a defendants' cage during a hearing at a court in Moscow on November 10, 2015.

Photo by AFP

Since autumn 2017, the Russian security services have been arresting anarchists and anti-fascists across the country. They’re suspected of being part of a terrorist organization called “The Network”. Detainees complain that they have been tortured, and rights advocates believe the case is fabricated.

According to the investigation’s case, the FSB foiled the activities of “The Network” terrorist organization, which has existed since 2014. “The Network” had cells in Penza, St Petersburg, and Moscow. The case also mentions a cell in Belarus but does not offer any detail about its alleged members.