Activist couple leaves Russia after arrests and threats

Darya Bunkova and Nabi Balabekov, activist spouses, left Russia on September 3 after being detained and sentenced for participating in a protest near the Supreme Court during a hearing on removing 'Yabloko' from elections. They described ongoing fear of arrest, police abuse, and coercion, leading to their decision to emigrate.

Consensus

Darya Bunkova and Nabi Balabекov are activist spouses who left Russia on September 3.
They were detained in special detention facilities before leaving.
Darya was sentenced to 10 days of arrest, and Nabi to 15 days.
The detention followed a protest near the Supreme Court on the day of a hearing about removing 'Yabloko' from elections.
Both were charged with 'participation in a picket causing road obstruction'.
Darya was detained in the entrance of her building after going to a store.
Nabi was detained when he went to look for his wife.
Nabi reported being beaten and threatened with being shot in police custody.
Darya said she was pressured to cooperate with authorities.
They described living under constant fear of arrest and detention.
They decided to emigrate due to the risks and threats.
They discussed their experiences, including love, early days in exile, a visit to McDonald's, and searching for Vladimir Kotlyarov in Georgia.

Coverage (2 sources)

«You are doing something, and at some point you think: “Lord, I am very scared, I am going to be arrested right now”» — Радио Свобода
«You are doing something, and at some point you think: “Lord, I am very scared, I am going to be arrested right now”» — SOTAvision

Activist couple leaves Russia after arrests and threats

Consensus

Coverage (2 sources)

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