Russian Federation: Artist Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison
Aleksandra "Sasha" Skochilenko, a songwriter and artist from St. Petersburg, replaced price tags in a local supermarket with little notes containing information about Russia’s war against Ukraine, such as the bombing of an arts school in Mariupol used as a shelter by civilians, on 31 March 2022. On 11 April, officers of the Investigative Committee arrested her, and charged her with “disseminating knowingly false information about Russian Armed Forces” under the newly introduced Article 207.3(2) of the Criminal Code.
Aleksandra Skochilenko is suffering from celiac disease – genetic gluten intolerance. According to medical experts if she is consuming gluten, organ failure or oncological and autoimmune diseases may start to progress. She must constantly follow a strict gluten-free diet and the Federal Penitentiary Service has no provisions for special menus in prison for those who need gluten-free food. Aleksandra Skochilenko also suffers from a heart defect; according to her cardiologist, she needs regular medical supervision and even may need surgery in future.
On 16 November 2023 she was sentenced to seven years in prison. “I will stick to my opinion and my truth. And I don’t believe that anyone should be legally compelled to adhere to one truth or another”, she said in her concluding statement. Her defence is expected to file an appeal.
Aleksandra Skochilenko has already been in custody for more than a year and a half. While in detention her health condition has rapidly deteriorated. Long court hearings have been difficult for her: she often felt ill in court and on one occasion she fainted and needed medical assistance. The presiding judge repeatedly refused her breaks in day-long hearings when Aleksandra Skochilenko needed to have a drink and take her medication.
Aleksandra Skochilenko is a prisoner of conscience and must be immediately and unconditionally released.
Aleksandra Skochilenko featured in Amnesty International’s 2022 global Write for Rights campaign.