Researcher Charged Over 'Prohibited' Org's Use of Her Reports
A staff member of the «Sova» Center was accused of collaborating with a «undesirable» organization because it mentioned her reports. Administrative protocol was issued against researcher center «Sova» staff member Olga Sibiryeva for participation in the activities of an «undesirable» organization.
Consensus
- Olgа Sibirieva is a researcher at the 'Sova' research center.
- She was charged under Article 20.33 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses.
- The charge stems from the fact that the 'International Alliance for Religious Freedom', designated as a 'prohibited' organization in 2024, cited her public reports on religious freedom in Russia.
- The reports were published openly on the 'Sova' website.
- No formal cooperation between Sibirieva and the 'International Alliance' was established.
- On August 4, officials conducted a search at Sibirieva's home and seized equipment and books.
- On August 17, she was summoned to the Narо-Fominsk City Prosecutor's Office.
- The court date has not been set.
- The 'Sova' center stated this is the first known case where someone was charged solely for being cited by a 'prohibited' organization.
Points of divergence
- The 'Sova' center claims it is unaware of any other cases where individuals were prosecuted for being cited by a 'prohibited' group. — tg_chertamedia
- The 'Sova' center described the case as possibly the first instance where a person was charged based solely on a citation by a 'prohibited' organization, emphasizing it was not a commissioned expert comment. — tg_tvrain
Coverage (2 sources)
- Protocol drafted against researcher center 'Sova' employee because 'undesirable organization' referred to... — Черта
- Employee of the "Sova" Center accused of collaborating with an "undesirable" organization because it mentioned her report... — Дождь (Telegram)