Anton Khripko — A 20-Year-Old Resident of Balashikha, Moscow Region
In May 2023, Anton Khripko, along with four other young individuals, was detained in Balashikha, allegedly for preparing an explosion at military base No. 13816. According to pro-government media, Anton and the others planned to dig a tunnel into the military base to blow up equipment. It is claimed that the group had even managed to pre-position tools on the base’s territory. Khripko is considered the organizer of a “terrorist community” and is currently charged under the following articles:
- “Establishment of a terrorist community” (Part 1, Article 205.4 of the Russian Criminal Code),
- “Organizing training for terrorist activities” (Part 4, Article 205.1),
- “Involving a minor in the commission of a crime” (Part 4, Article 150),
- “Preparation for committing a terrorist act” (Part 1, Article 30; Points “a,” “v,” Part 2, Article 205).
If convicted on all counts, Anton Khripko faces a sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years or even life imprisonment.
Anton in His Own Words
In a letter, Anton described himself and his interests as follows:
“My range of interests is very broad. I enjoy learning new things, perhaps even alternative news. Among the books I’ve read here, I’d highlight Erich Maria Remarque, Jared Diamond’s Collapse, Victor Hugo, Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time, Nietzsche, and Dmitry Glukhovsky. I’ve read a lot of fascinating literature here. I’m interested in anything presented in an engaging way. My views depend on what I’m observing. But if we talk about the most common ones: politically, I lean right-centrist; religiously, I’m more of a pantheist. My core values are family, kinship, loyalty, honor, and dignity.”
Insights from a Pen Pal
A pen pal of Anton noted that he is a very pleasant conversationalist, easygoing, optimistic, and well-educated.
“Lately, he’s been reading Homer’s Odyssey aloud, entertaining and enlightening his cellmate, Sergey. Anton is now meticulously studying his case, determined to fight and defend himself as much as possible. The character of Odysseus closely resembles Anton: equally combative, loyal, and cunning,” she wrote.
HOW TO HELP
Address for letters:
123308, Москва, 1-й Силикатный проезд, д. 11, корп. 1, СИЗО-3,
Хрипко Антон Александрович 15.08.2003
It is possible to send letters through the electronic service PrisonMail.Online.
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