PRISON PARCELS

The number of political prisoners in Russia has increased 15-times over the past 10 years. Аccording to the statistics of the project “Support for political prisoners. Memorial”, there are currently about 700 such individuals. While there may be discrepancies among human rights organizations regarding these figures, there is a consensus that repression within the country intensified significantly after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. During that period, new laws were enacted to prevent discrediting the Russian army, and social and political movements which did were criminalized. Presently, anyone whose opinion diverges from the state’s official position may face political persecution.

Once incarcerated, political prisoners find themselves isolated from the outside world, deprived of personal space, and are often subjected to abuses by the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) personnel. Legal standards for the detainees are frequently not met in correctional facilities. For instance, they may not receive an adequate supply of personal hygiene items or sufficient food, and the food provided may be unfit for consumption. To support political prisoners, their relatives and loved ones send them essential goods and supplies.

After the arrest of political prisoners, their relatives enter an entirely unfamiliar world and encounter numerous prison regulations, which may vary depending on the institution — in some, items can be pre-packaged at home, while in others, this must be done on-site. Relatives must queue electronically two weeks in advance, undergo inspection procedures for the packages being sent, or send goods and items by mail, while also adhering to all restrictions and limitations. For instance, metal and glass items are not allowed in packages, tea bags are prohibited, and clothing with cords or suspenders is banned. In addition to collecting necessary items and products, relatives and loved ones learn to interact with correctional facility staff, advocate for the rights of political prisoners, and ensure they receive medical assistance. Exploring the boundaries of the prison system’s restrictions, they also seek ways to support detainees with tasty food, interesting books, or unique notebooks for notes. Together with political prisoners, their loved ones traverse a difficult and thorny path, gaining experience they were never supposed to have.

Alexandra Popova, the wife of Artyom Kamardin, a poet and civil activist who was sentenced to 7 years for reading anti-war poems at the Mayakovsky monument in Moscow. Artyom was charged with two criminal cases for “activities directed against the security of the state” and “inciting hatred”. During a search of their apartment, Artyom was severely beaten and raped with a dumbbell bar. At the same time, law enforcement officers were pulling Alexandra's hair and threatened her with gang-rape by five men, while showing a video with Artyom being beaten in the next room.
Alexandra Popova, the wife of Artyom Kamardin, a poet and civil activist who was sentenced to 7 years for reading anti-war poems at the Mayakovsky monument in Moscow. Artyom was charged with two criminal cases for “activities directed against the security of the state” and “inciting hatred”. During a search of their apartment, Artyom was severely beaten and raped with a dumbbell bar. At the same time, law enforcement officers were pulling Alexandra's hair and threatened her with gang-rape by five men, while showing a video with Artyom being beaten in the next room.
Parcel for Artem Kamardin, sentenced to 7 years for reading anti-war poetry, prepared by his wife Alexandra Popova. Alexandra always tries to give Artem something that will lift his spirit. One of Artem's favorite animals, opossum, is printed on the hoodie she purchased for him. He says they're like punks who don't care about public opinion. Alexandra also brought him some sweets from Turkey that he had never tried before. While Artem is being held in pre-trial detention, Alexandra can still pass on more unusual items to him, as after his transfer to a penal colony, the rules for transfers will become stricter, and some items may be prohibited.
Parcel for Artem Kamardin, sentenced to 7 years for reading anti-war poetry, prepared by his wife Alexandra Popova. Alexandra always tries to give Artem something that will lift his spirit. One of Artem's favorite animals, opossum, is printed on the hoodie she purchased for him. He says they're like punks who don't care about public opinion. Alexandra also brought him some sweets from Turkey that he had never tried before. While Artem is being held in pre-trial detention, Alexandra can still pass on more unusual items to him, as after his transfer to a penal colony, the rules for transfers will become stricter, and some items may be prohibited.
A tattoo on the arm of Alexandra Popova, the wife of Artyom Kamardin, who was sentenced to 7 years for reading anti-war poetry. On the tattoo is the first drawing of Artyom from the pre-trial detention center.
A tattoo on the arm of Alexandra Popova, the wife of Artyom Kamardin, who was sentenced to 7 years for reading anti-war poetry. On the tattoo is the first drawing of Artyom from the pre-trial detention center.
Sonya Subbotina at the transfer window in the pre-trial detention center, where Sasha Skochilenko is located.
Sonya Subbotina at the transfer window in the pre-trial detention center, where Sasha Skochilenko is located.
Sonya Subbotina, a friend of Sasha Skochilenko, who was sentenced to 7 years for discrediting the Russian army, in the room of her apartment. Sasha is an artist, musician and feminist from St. Petersburg. In April 2022, Sasha replaced the price tags in the supermarket with five anti-war leaflets with information about the war in Ukraine. She was arrested on the denunciation of a pensioner. Throughout the investigation, Sasha was in jail despite health problems - gluten intolerance of an autoimmune nature, heart disease, bipolar disorder. More than 400 Russian doctors have called for the artist's release from custody, as detention in a colony with her diseases can become a threat to life. However, on November 16, 2023, Sasha was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
Sonya Subbotina, a friend of Sasha Skochilenko, who was sentenced to 7 years for discrediting the Russian army, in the room of her apartment. Sasha is an artist, musician and feminist from St. Petersburg. In April 2022, Sasha replaced the price tags in the supermarket with five anti-war leaflets with information about the war in Ukraine. She was arrested on the denunciation of a pensioner. Throughout the investigation, Sasha was in jail despite health problems - gluten intolerance of an autoimmune nature, heart disease, bipolar disorder. More than 400 Russian doctors have called for the artist's release from custody, as detention in a colony with her diseases can become a threat to life. However, on November 16, 2023, Sasha was sentenced to 7 years in prison.
Parcel for Sasha Skochilenko, who was sentenced to 7 years for discrediting the Russian army, prepared by her friend Sonya Subbotina. Sasha has celiac disease - gluten intolerance of an autoimmune nature, which is why she needs a special, gluten-free diet. Sonya goes to the pre-trial detention center every 3-4 days and transfers the necessary products for Sasha, since the pre-trial detention center does not provide dietary nutrition.
Parcel for Sasha Skochilenko, who was sentenced to 7 years for discrediting the Russian army, prepared by her friend Sonya Subbotina. Sasha has celiac disease - gluten intolerance of an autoimmune nature, which is why she needs a special, gluten-free diet. Sonya goes to the pre-trial detention center every 3-4 days and transfers the necessary products for Sasha, since the pre-trial detention center does not provide dietary nutrition.
Parcel for Dmitry Skurikhin, sentenced to 1.5 years for discrediting the Russian army, from his wife Tatyana Skurikhina. Tatiana learned how to make her first broadcasts when she came to the pre-trial detention center - she watched what other people were transmitting to their relatives. Due to the huge queue, Tatiana was able to send the first parcel to Dmitry only a month after his arrest.
Parcel for Dmitry Skurikhin, sentenced to 1.5 years for discrediting the Russian army, from his wife Tatyana Skurikhina. Tatiana learned how to make her first broadcasts when she came to the pre-trial detention center - she watched what other people were transmitting to their relatives. Due to the huge queue, Tatiana was able to send the first parcel to Dmitry only a month after his arrest.
In prison, Dmitry receives many letters from strangers expressing their support for him. Dmitry passes all these letters to his wife Tatiana for safekeeping.
In prison, Dmitry receives many letters from strangers expressing their support for him. Dmitry passes all these letters to his wife Tatiana for safekeeping.
Tatyana Skurikhina, the wife of Dmitry Skurikhin, who was sentenced to 3 years for discrediting the Russian army, in the room of her daughters in their house with Dmitry. Dmitry is an entrepreneur from the Leningrad region and a civil activist. He was a deputy of the village council, an election observer, and sought to repair roads and heating mains in his native village of Russian-Vysotskoye, Leningrad region. He opened his own grocery store in the same village. Two criminal cases were opened against Skurikhin for discrediting the army. The first criminal case was opened in September 2022. The reason was an anti-war poster posted on his store. The second case was opened on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Dmitry went out to his store with a poster "Sorry, Ukraine" and knelt down. In August 2023, Dmitry was sentenced to 1.5 years in a penal colony, despite the presence of minor children.
Tatyana Skurikhina, the wife of Dmitry Skurikhin, who was sentenced to 3 years for discrediting the Russian army, in the room of her daughters in their house with Dmitry. Dmitry is an entrepreneur from the Leningrad region and a civil activist. He was a deputy of the village council, an election observer, and sought to repair roads and heating mains in his native village of Russian-Vysotskoye, Leningrad region. He opened his own grocery store in the same village. Two criminal cases were opened against Skurikhin for discrediting the army. The first criminal case was opened in September 2022. The reason was an anti-war poster posted on his store. The second case was opened on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Dmitry went out to his store with a poster "Sorry, Ukraine" and knelt down. In August 2023, Dmitry was sentenced to 1.5 years in a penal colony, despite the presence of minor children.
Mikhail Semenov in his apartment. Mikhail is a friend of Richard Rose, a bus driver and resident of Kirov, sentenced to 8 years for discrediting the Russian army and inciting terrorism. The reason for Richard's case was a publication on social media - a 40-second video discussing the actions of the Russian army in Ukraine's Bucha in March 2022. At that time, mass murders of civilians, as well as kidnappings and torture, occurred there. On April 14, 2022, Richard was deprived of his freedom. Richard’s wife Maria, who also expressed opposition to Russia's war in Ukraine on her social networks, was detained as well. Shortly afterward, however, Richard's wife, along with their seven-year-old son, managed to leave Russia. Immediately after Richard's arrest, Mikhail began to assist his friend.
Mikhail Semenov in his apartment. Mikhail is a friend of Richard Rose, a bus driver and resident of Kirov, sentenced to 8 years for discrediting the Russian army and inciting terrorism. The reason for Richard's case was a publication on social media - a 40-second video discussing the actions of the Russian army in Ukraine's Bucha in March 2022. At that time, mass murders of civilians, as well as kidnappings and torture, occurred there. On April 14, 2022, Richard was deprived of his freedom. Richard’s wife Maria, who also expressed opposition to Russia's war in Ukraine on her social networks, was detained as well. Shortly afterward, however, Richard's wife, along with their seven-year-old son, managed to leave Russia. Immediately after Richard's arrest, Mikhail began to assist his friend.
"Freedom to Richard Rose. Freedom for all political prisoners." A plaque in support of Richard Rose.
"Freedom to Richard Rose. Freedom for all political prisoners." A plaque in support of Richard Rose.
Parcel for Richard Rose, sentenced to 8 years for discrediting the Russian army and inciting terrorism, compiled by his friend Mikhail Semenov and their mutual acquaintance activist Svetlana. The packages for Richard are sent by mail, containing all necessary items and basic products - shampoos, shaving supplies, instant noodles, cookies, dried fruits. All the products, before being sent, need to be packed in bags, which they will be poured into during inspection in prison.
Parcel for Richard Rose, sentenced to 8 years for discrediting the Russian army and inciting terrorism, compiled by his friend Mikhail Semenov and their mutual acquaintance activist Svetlana. The packages for Richard are sent by mail, containing all necessary items and basic products - shampoos, shaving supplies, instant noodles, cookies, dried fruits. All the products, before being sent, need to be packed in bags, which they will be poured into during inspection in prison.
Parcel for Vsevolod Korolev, sentenced to 3 years for discrediting the Russian army, prepared by his father Anatoly Korolev: sausage, chocolate, dried fruits, porridge. Recently, Vsevolod has been experiencing stomach problems, so his father sends him more porridge and jam. During the first transfer of products to the pre-trial detention center, Anatoly stood in line for over two hours, and three-quarters of the products were not accepted by the staff due to restrictions and rules for transferring food sets. At that time, Anatoly was not yet familiar with prison restrictions and did not know that the queue for transfers could be booked two weeks in advance.
Parcel for Vsevolod Korolev, sentenced to 3 years for discrediting the Russian army, prepared by his father Anatoly Korolev: sausage, chocolate, dried fruits, porridge. Recently, Vsevolod has been experiencing stomach problems, so his father sends him more porridge and jam. During the first transfer of products to the pre-trial detention center, Anatoly stood in line for over two hours, and three-quarters of the products were not accepted by the staff due to restrictions and rules for transferring food sets. At that time, Anatoly was not yet familiar with prison restrictions and did not know that the queue for transfers could be booked two weeks in advance.
Anatoly Korolev in his apartment. Anatoly is the father of Vsevolod Korolev - a documentarian, tour guide, and poet, sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment for discrediting the Russian army. The reason for Vsevolod's case was two posts on the Russian social network "VKontakte" about the events and actions of the Russian army in Ukraine’s Bucha; where mass murders of civilians, as well as kidnappings and torture, were committed in March 2022. Vsevolod has serious chronic illnesses: his thyroid gland has been removed, and he has intervertebral hernia. Vsevolod was deprived of his freedom on July 12, 2022.
Anatoly Korolev in his apartment. Anatoly is the father of Vsevolod Korolev - a documentarian, tour guide, and poet, sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment for discrediting the Russian army. The reason for Vsevolod's case was two posts on the Russian social network "VKontakte" about the events and actions of the Russian army in Ukraine’s Bucha; where mass murders of civilians, as well as kidnappings and torture, were committed in March 2022. Vsevolod has serious chronic illnesses: his thyroid gland has been removed, and he has intervertebral hernia. Vsevolod was deprived of his freedom on July 12, 2022.
Anatoly Korolev, Vsevolod Korolev's father, prepares the transfer for his son to the pre-trial detention center, pouring all the products into cellophane bags. All products in the detention center for Vsevolod, except for products in vacuum packaging, must be poured into cellophane bags.
Anatoly Korolev, Vsevolod Korolev's father, prepares the transfer for his son to the pre-trial detention center, pouring all the products into cellophane bags. All products in the detention center for Vsevolod, except for products in vacuum packaging, must be poured into cellophane bags.
Tatiana Chernova, the mother of Andrey Chernov, sentenced to 14 years in the “terror group Set” case. in her apartment. In early November 2017, Andrey, an antifascist and leftist activist, was detained at the factory where he worked. In addition to Andrey, five more antifascists were detained. All of them shared an interest in airsoft - a team military-tactical game in which pneumatic weapons are used to defeat opponents. According to the FSB (Federal Security Service) version, they were all a part of the terrorist and anarchist organization "Network", whose members were preparing terrorist attacks, and their interest in airsoft was perceived as preparation for armed rebellion. According to the detainees, FSB officers beat and tortured them with electricity in the investigative isolator, thereby extracting the testimonies they needed. In February 2020, the defendants were sentenced to imprisonment terms ranging from 6 to 18 years. Andrey Chernov was accused of participating in the activities of a terrorist community and attempting to distribute drugs on a large scale. The second accusation against Andrey was made a year after gaining access to his phone. His fingerprints and biological traces were not found on the packets of drugs presented as evidence. The political motive for the persecution of antifascists was part of the ongoing repression against anarchist and antifascist movements during those years.
Tatiana Chernova, the mother of Andrey Chernov, sentenced to 14 years in the “terror group Set” case. in her apartment. In early November 2017, Andrey, an antifascist and leftist activist, was detained at the factory where he worked. In addition to Andrey, five more antifascists were detained. All of them shared an interest in airsoft - a team military-tactical game in which pneumatic weapons are used to defeat opponents. According to the FSB (Federal Security Service) version, they were all a part of the terrorist and anarchist organization "Network", whose members were preparing terrorist attacks, and their interest in airsoft was perceived as preparation for armed rebellion. According to the detainees, FSB officers beat and tortured them with electricity in the investigative isolator, thereby extracting the testimonies they needed. In February 2020, the defendants were sentenced to imprisonment terms ranging from 6 to 18 years. Andrey Chernov was accused of participating in the activities of a terrorist community and attempting to distribute drugs on a large scale. The second accusation against Andrey was made a year after gaining access to his phone. His fingerprints and biological traces were not found on the packets of drugs presented as evidence. The political motive for the persecution of antifascists was part of the ongoing repression against anarchist and antifascist movements during those years.
Parcel for Andrey Chernov, sentenced to 14 years in 2020 for participation in a terrorist organization and attempted drug trafficking, prepared by his parents, Tatiana and Sergey Chernov. Since Andrey is vegan, he requires a special diet. His parents send him soy meat, vegan bars, muesli, beans, and peas. In every package, his parents try to include freeze-dried strawberries. Andrey uses them to make sandwiches for breakfast. As Andrey is in a high-security prison, according to the rules of his confinement, his parents can only send him one parcel with products weighing 20 kilograms every 3 months. Over the years of his incarceration, Andrey's mother has learned to make vegan desserts. Now, when visiting the prison for long meetings, Tatiana Chernova prepares vegan cakes for her son.
Parcel for Andrey Chernov, sentenced to 14 years in 2020 for participation in a terrorist organization and attempted drug trafficking, prepared by his parents, Tatiana and Sergey Chernov. Since Andrey is vegan, he requires a special diet. His parents send him soy meat, vegan bars, muesli, beans, and peas. In every package, his parents try to include freeze-dried strawberries. Andrey uses them to make sandwiches for breakfast. As Andrey is in a high-security prison, according to the rules of his confinement, his parents can only send him one parcel with products weighing 20 kilograms every 3 months. Over the years of his incarceration, Andrey's mother has learned to make vegan desserts. Now, when visiting the prison for long meetings, Tatiana Chernova prepares vegan cakes for her son.
A joint photo of Tatyana Chernova with her sons. In the photo, Andrei Chernov and his brother.
A joint photo of Tatyana Chernova with her sons. In the photo, Andrei Chernov and his brother.
Parcel for Pavel Krisevich assembled by his fiancee Elena. Pavel writes a lot in prison. Elena tries to give him more notebooks and marshmallows, which Pavel loves very much. Basically, Elena makes transfers by mail. So, according to her, it is less likely that some things may not be accepted.
Parcel for Pavel Krisevich assembled by his fiancee Elena. Pavel writes a lot in prison. Elena tries to give him more notebooks and marshmallows, which Pavel loves very much. Basically, Elena makes transfers by mail. So, according to her, it is less likely that some things may not be accepted.
Elena, the fiancee of Pavel Krisevich, who was sentenced to 5 years for a political action in Moscow, in the kitchen of his apartment. Pavel is an activist, artist and author of performances dedicated to political prisoners. On June 11, 2021, Pavel went to the Red Square in Moscow, delivered a manifesto against the police state. He fired Makarov's deactivated pistol twice into the air, and then simulated a shot to his head and fell. Pavel was prosecuted for “hooliganism”, and on October 8, 2022, the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow sentenced him to five years in a penal colony.
Elena, the fiancee of Pavel Krisevich, who was sentenced to 5 years for a political action in Moscow, in the kitchen of his apartment. Pavel is an activist, artist and author of performances dedicated to political prisoners. On June 11, 2021, Pavel went to the Red Square in Moscow, delivered a manifesto against the police state. He fired Makarov's deactivated pistol twice into the air, and then simulated a shot to his head and fell. Pavel was prosecuted for “hooliganism”, and on October 8, 2022, the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow sentenced him to five years in a penal colony.
Elena, the fiancee of Pavel Krisevich at the post office. Elena describes the contents of the parcel for Pavel before sending a package to the pre-trial detention center for him.
Elena, the fiancee of Pavel Krisevich at the post office. Elena describes the contents of the parcel for Pavel before sending a package to the pre-trial detention center for him.
Polina Barabash, the wife of Evgeny Zatiev, in her kitchen. Evgeny is in pre-trial detention on charges of organizing the extremist community "Vesna" - a youth movement that organized political actions in cities across Russia. "Vesna" actively opposed the war in Ukraine and coordinated protest actions. On October 11, 2022, the youth movement was recognized as an extremist organization. At the time of Evgeny's arrest, he was no longer a member of "Vesna", but was detained along with other former members of the organization. Evgeny was deprived of his freedom on June 6, 2023. The verdict in the "Vesna" case has not yet been issued.
Polina Barabash, the wife of Evgeny Zatiev, in her kitchen. Evgeny is in pre-trial detention on charges of organizing the extremist community "Vesna" - a youth movement that organized political actions in cities across Russia. "Vesna" actively opposed the war in Ukraine and coordinated protest actions. On October 11, 2022, the youth movement was recognized as an extremist organization. At the time of Evgeny's arrest, he was no longer a member of "Vesna", but was detained along with other former members of the organization. Evgeny was deprived of his freedom on June 6, 2023. The verdict in the "Vesna" case has not yet been issued.
A letter from Evgeny Zateev to his wife Polina Barabash.
A letter from Evgeny Zateev to his wife Polina Barabash.
Parcel for Evgeny Zatiev, accused of organizing the extremist community "Vesna", prepared by his wife Polina Barabash. In the parcel for Evgeny, there are always instant soups, products that can be quickly heated, and sweets. This time, Polina decided to include nori chips for Evgeny to try. Since Evgeny is held in Moscow pre-trial detention, Polina sends him products by mail from Saint Petersburg. According to the rules of the pre-trial detention center, the weight of the package must not exceed 30 kg.
Parcel for Evgeny Zatiev, accused of organizing the extremist community "Vesna", prepared by his wife Polina Barabash. In the parcel for Evgeny, there are always instant soups, products that can be quickly heated, and sweets. This time, Polina decided to include nori chips for Evgeny to try. Since Evgeny is held in Moscow pre-trial detention, Polina sends him products by mail from Saint Petersburg. According to the rules of the pre-trial detention center, the weight of the package must not exceed 30 kg.
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