In the Russian Federation, where corruption is treated as the norm, where almost every judge has, in a personal account, the annual budget of a small town, a donation of 2,100 rubles (€22) to an organization that conducted anti-corruption investigations is declared a serious crime—because it allegedly “undermines the foundations of the Russian state”—and under the article on “financing extremist activity” (Article 282.3 of the Criminal Code) it can be punished by up to 8 years in prison. And all of this happens against the backdrop of the fact that real corruption cases are often rare, and when they do appear, they too often take the form of demonstrative, repressive prosecutions of “undesirable” officials. You can learn the details of this unjust and all-too-typical situation from the news below:

Investigators sent to court the case against Perm activists Irina Fayzulina and Elena Guseva. The court hearing is scheduled for January 22

“However much the little rope may twist, the end will always come,” wrote Irina’s husband, Artyom Fayzulin. “Long or short, the investigation has sent to court the case accusing my wife Irina of a terrible crime: ‘financing extremist activity’ (Article 282.3 of the Criminal Code), which consists of seven donations to the FBK* totaling 2,100 rubles.”

Irina and Elena will not be tried in Perm. The case is being heard, according to jurisdiction, by the Berezniki City Court at the place where the “crime” was committed. Geographically, this will take place in an even more remote location—in the city of Usolye, 15 Radishcheva Street. The hearing in Elena’s case is scheduled for January 22 at 14:00, Judge Danilova; the hearing in Irina’s case is scheduled the same day at 14:30, Judge Chupina.

Artyom Fayzulin invited people to support the defendants, but warned that the hearings may be closed: “Although the value of the act does not diminish because of this, and I will be grateful to everyone who still comes, keep this in mind.”

Perm activists Irina Fayzulina and Elena Guseva were detained on August 27, 2025. On October 14 the court changed the measure of restraint to house arrest.

* Recognized first as an extremist organization and later as a terrorist organization.