Anti-fascist Yuri Mikheev is the youngest person supported by Solidarity Zone.
On November 10, 2023, 18-year-old Yuri and his acquaintance Matvey Melnikov were detained on the territory of a military base in the Moscow region, accused of planning to set military equipment on fire. In February 2024, Yuri was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Before his arrest, Yuri lived in Lobnya near Moscow, studied to become a tractor mechanic at the Dmitrov Technical College, practiced taekwondo, and was passionate about history. Yuri is an anti-fascist and does not support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Between February 10 and 18, 2024, Yuri Mikheev was sentenced in just five court hearings to seven years of imprisonment for “preparing for sabotage.” He must spend the first three years in prison and the remaining four in a high-security penal colony. Together with Yuri, brothers Matvey and Timofey Melnikov were convicted and sentenced to 20 and 19 years respectively, also with the first three years to be served in prison.
Yuri wrote a letter to a friend, sharing how he processed the sentence:
“After the trials I came to my senses and realized I would have to spend another 5 years and 8 months behind bars — but I’m more or less prepared for that. Right after the sentence I just slept for two days straight. You can probably see in the photos how terrible we looked at the trial. I still have bags under my eyes.”
Despite everything, Yuri stays strong. He exercises regularly, is trying to quit smoking, and recently read All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. He enjoys fantasy and science fiction, and is interested in archaeology and history.
Solidarity Zone continues to support Yuri and has launched a fundraiser to cover his legal defense.
Yuri is a prisoner of wartime, and a lawyer is not just a chance to reduce his sentence, but also protection from law enforcement abuse and mistreatment.
Support Yuri Mikheev and show that political prisoners are not forgotten. Every letter and expression of solidarity matters.
HOW TO HELP
Address for letters:
109382, Москва, ул. Верхние Поля, д. 57, СИЗО-7
Михеев Юрий Васильевич 03.11.2005 г.р.
It is possible to send letters through the electronic service «Ф-письмо» and PrisonMail.Online.
How can I write letters to political prisoners in Russia?
