The Samara Regional Court sentenced artist and anti-war activist Irina Izmailova to 20 years in prison, with an additional restriction of freedom for 1 year and 6 months, and a fine of 250,000 rubles. The court found her guilty of manufacturing explosives (Article 223.1, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Russia) and “treason” (Article 275).
Initially, Izmailova was only charged with manufacturing explosives. On August 31, security forces came to her home and allegedly found traces of triacetone triperoxide during a prolonged search conducted without the presence of a lawyer. According to the investigation, Izmailova manufactured the explosive several months before the search. The primary basis for the charges, apart from coerced confessions, was her anti-war stance—Russia’s FSB emphasizes that Izmailova “adheres to radical pro-Ukrainian ideology.”
An additional complication arose from the disbarment of her former lawyer, Alexey Nikolaevich Slovtsov. On January 30, 2025, the Samara Regional Bar Association revoked his lawyer status for using personal connections with law enforcement officers, significantly undermining trust in Izmailova’s defense.
Izmailova is supported by the solidarity initiative “Solidarity Zone.”
HOW TO HELP
Address for letters and parcels:
443047, г. Самара, ул. Утевская д. 18 А, ПФРСИ ИК-15
Измайлова Ирина Олеговна 1989 г.р.
It is possible to send letters through the electronic service «Зонателеком».
How can I write letters to political prisoners in Russia?
