Urgent Action: ARTIST SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON (Russia 36.22)

On November 16, 2023 Aleksandra Skochilenko was sentenced to seven years in prison for “disseminating knowingly false information about the Russian Armed Forces”. In March 2022, Aleksandra Skochilenko had replaced price tags in a local supermarket with little notes containing information about Russia’s war against Ukraine. Aleksandra Skochilenko has already been in custody for over 19 months. She suffers from celiac disease and heart disease and her health has deteriorated greatly during this time. She is a prisoner of conscience and must be released immediately and unconditionally. 

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• Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
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sample letter:

Dear Prosecutor General, 

I am writing to urge you to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of artist Aleksandra Skochilenko, who has been sentenced to seven years in prison, for “disseminating knowingly false information about Russian Armed Forces” (Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code). This is not an internationally recognized crime as it restricts the human right to freedom of expression in a manner that is contrary to Russia’s international human rights obligations and its own Constitution. Aleksandra Skochilenko is a prisoner of conscience as she has been imprisoned solely for exercising her right to freedom of expression.  

Aleksandra Skochilenko has serious health problems – she suffers from celiac disease and heart disease. According to her doctors, Aleksandra requires adequate medical supervision and a strict gluten-free diet, which is not available in the penitentiary system. She has already been in custody for more than a year and a half. Her health condition deteriorated greatly during this detention, and further incarceration will make it worse and may put her life in danger.  

I urge you to ensure that Aleksandra Skochilenko is released immediately and unconditionally. Her verdict must be overturned. Meanwhile, considering her health conditions and doctors’ recommendations, I urge you to ensure that Aleksandra Skochilenko is held in conditions that meet international standards and is urgently provided with the adequate medical care she requires. 

Yours sincerely,  

[YOUR NAME]

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