Urgent Action Update: Lawyer released on bail but threat of jail remains

Lawyer Mikhail Benyash, who had been detained since 9 September after meeting his client who had taken part in a peaceful protest against pension reforms in Krasnodar, Russia, was released on bail on 23 October. The politically-motivated criminal charges against him are still pending. He faces up to five years imprisonment if found guilty.

Take action

Please write immediately in Russian, English or your own language calling on the Russian authorities to:

• Immediately drop all charges against Mikhail Benyash as they stem solely from his work as a human rights lawyer, and immediately end all criminal proceedings against him;
• Conduct a thorough, effective and impartial investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and allegations of ill-treatment by the police, and ensure those responsible are brought to justice in fair trials;
• Guarantee that all lawyers in Russia can carry out their professional duties without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference, in accordance with international standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 6 DECEMBER 2018 TO:

Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation

Yuriy Yakovlevich Chaika

Prosecutor General’s Office

Ul. B. Dmitrovka, d.15a

125993 Moscow GSP-3, Russian Federation

Fax: +7495 987 58 41/ +7495 692 17 25

Salutation: Dear Prosecutor

Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation

Vladimir Kokoltsev

Ul. Zhitnaya d. 16

119049 Moscow, Russian Federation

Fax: +7 495 667 05 98 (wait for signal)

Salutation: Dear Minister

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. HIS EXCELLENCY MR ALEXANDER VLADIMIROVICH YAKOVENKO, Embassy of Russia, 6-7 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QP, info@rusemb.org.uk, 020 7229 6412

Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.