Repression in Russia is increasingly taking the form of persecution based on “intellectual” engagement and civic concern—much like in 2017–2039. This time it has targeted a Doctor of Medical Sciences, and the basis of the accusation comes from open sources: academic publications.

In St. Petersburg, Doctor of Medical Sciences Alexey Dudarev has been remanded in custody until March 13, 2026. He is accused of high treason.

The St. Petersburg resident was detained on his way to work. He is the chief research fellow at the Federal Budgetary Scientific Institution “North-West Scientific Center for Hygiene and Public Health” of Rospotrebnadzor. For many years, the Doctor of Medical Sciences has studied health issues among the peoples of the North, published articles in Russian and international journals, and took part in conferences. According to his relatives, Dudarev did not have access to state secrets. He denies the charges.

According to the “First Department” (https://t.me/deptone/15591), the case under Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code is built on publications in open international scientific journals of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, where Dudarev was a co-author. Investigators claim that Norwegian intelligence could have read those materials.