Maxim Asriyan

He graduated from medical school at St. Petersburg State University, then worked in the intensive care units at First Medical, including the "red zone" at Mechnikov Northwestern State Medical University during the pandemic.

Sentenced to eight years in a strict regime colony on charges of attempted terrorism because of a failed arson attack on a military recruitment office and treason because of an unrealised intention to join the Freedom of Russia Legion.

In a conversation with "Novaya Gazeta. Europe", Maxim’s wife said: “We had been discussing the news from the very beginning, since 24 February. He was deeply affected by the situation in Bucha. It was very emotional for him. Even back then, he was already talking with friends about the possibility of emigrating, because no one knew how things would unfold—it was becoming more and more frightening. We were generally planning to leave for Georgia in the summer. Things became much heavier, emotionally speaking—the broader political context was weighing heavily on us.”

He had volunteered to go to Mariupol to provide medical assistance, believing he would be helping civilians. However, upon learning that the aid was intended for Russian military personnel, he refused to take part.

Later, in the autumn of 2022, he decided to protest against the war by setting fire to a military recruitment office in St. Petersburg. However, when he approached the building, he changed his mind, fearing that someone might get hurt.

On 7 October 2022, he was detained at Pulkovo airport while trying to fly to Sochi. Pleaded guilty before his lawyer was allowed in under the agreement. On 10 October, the court sent Asriyan to custody. In the man's smartphone, according to the prosecution, they found "instructions on how to undermine and destroy railway infrastructure", and in his laptop - a completed application form to join the "Freedom of Russia" legion and links to Telegram accounts "related to the illegal sale of military weapons".

The lawyer representing Asriyan, Vera Ivanova, clarified that he did indeed fill out a form to provide medical assistance to civilians affected by the war, but chose not to submit it once he “found out about the sources of the legion’s funding.” According to her, Asriyan suffers from serious chronic illnesses that make holding him in custody inadvisable.

He was charged under two serious articles at once: attempt to commit a terrorist act (articles 30 and 205 of the Russian Criminal Code) and high treason (article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code). On 18 January 2024, he was sentenced to eight years in a strict-regime penal colony. The case was heard behind closed doors.

The Memorial Human Rights Defence Centre believes that Maksim Asriyan was persecuted for expressing an anti-war position. He voluntarily renounced violent actions, and the actions of the authorities in applying the articles on terrorism and state treason to him are clearly political in nature. The confession of guilt was likely obtained under pressure, and the criminal prosecution itself was a way to intimidate and suppress dissent.

You can read more about politically persecuted people in the Telegram channel OVD-Info LIVE and our politically motivated criminal prosecutions in Russia database