The number of convictions for state treason in Russia has more than doubled compared to the first year of the war. In 2023, courts dealt with 63 cases of state treason and 7 cases of collaboration with a foreign state (Articles 275 and 275.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). According to a report by the human rights organization 'Perviy Otdel' ('Department One') on December 21, the majority of cases were initiated in Krasnodarsk Krai, as well as in the regions of Belgorod and Rostov, both of which share a border with Ukraine.
In 2023, Russian courts received 63 cases of state treason and 7 cases of collaboration with a foreign state (Articles 275 and 275.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). 37 of these cases have already concluded with a guilty verdict. Most cases were initiated in Krasnodarsk Krai, Belgorod Oblast, and Rostov Oblast.
Photo by 'Department One.' Source: dept.one
Human rights activists believe that Russians are often provoked by agents of the Federal Security Service (FSB). These agents may pose as Ukrainians or fellow Russian citizens with an anti-war stance, encouraging individuals to admit to transferring money to the Ukrainian army or expressing a desire to help Ukraine or travel there personally. Subsequently, law enforcement detains those who reveal such intentions.
'Department One' also observed a trend of more criminal cases being transferred to regional courts. Only two were initiated against residents of Moscow, whereas previously Moscow accounted for 90% of such cases. Regional authorities appear to be in contact with handlers from the capital who decide whether to launch an investigation or not. Lawyer Evgeniy Smirnov, representing 'Department One,' believes that the number of criminal cases will increase even more next year.
Even teenagers and terminally ill individuals have not been exempt from criminal cases of state treason. In Kaluga, the FSB accused two school students of setting an MTS cell tower on fire. According to law enforcement, the teenagers purportedly joined the Freedom of Russia Legion* and committed arson as a task from their 'handler.'
In 2022, Dmitriy Kolker, a Novosibirsk scientist and university professor previously diagnosed with cancer, was arrested for state treason and jailed. He died soon after his detainment.
