Mediazona - openDemocracy

Leaked police data reveals level of violence against protesters in Belarus

Over the past two months, Belarus has witnessed unprecedented violence against protesters in the aftermath of its presidential election. New data confirms its scale

By Media Zona

/ 3 Nov 2020

Leaked police data reveals level of violence against protesters in Belarus

How Russia’s doctors are dealing with the psychological strain of COVID-19

For several months, Russian medics have been living with the constant stress of coronavirus. The Ministry of Health is talking about providing psychological help, but most doctors aren’t ready to talk to specialists.

By Alla Konstantinova

/ 29 Jul 2020

How Russia’s doctors are dealing with the psychological strain of COVID-19

"We will grind you into dust": Russian activist Dmitry Pchelintsev on how he was tortured by the security services

As a high-profile investigation into alleged terrorism by Russian anarchists goes to trial, we publish an account of how one of them was tortured. Warning: disturbing.

By Media Zona

/ 4 Jun 2019

"We will grind you into dust": Russian activist Dmitry Pchelintsev on how he was tortured by the security services

Russian anti-fascist reveals violence, humiliation and threats in pre-trial detention

In Russia, the security services have arrested 11 anarchists and anti-fascists on terrorism charges. Yuly Boyarshinov, a defendant, describes the conditions in pre-trial detention – where prisoners beat, bully and humiliate others in league with investigators.

By Media Zona

/ 14 Nov 2018

One year on from a planned “revolution” in Russia, dozens of people are facing jail time

In November 2017, hundreds of Russian citizens were involved in an apparent attempt to organise a new “revolution” in Russia. Thirty of them are now facing serious charges.

By Elizaveta Pestova

/ 9 Nov 2018

“They told me that if I didn’t become more cooperative, they could do whatever they wanted to me”: anarchist Arman Sagynbayev reveals torture by Russian law enforcement

In this high-profile terrorism investigation into Russian anarchists, brutal torture has been used to extract confessions from detainees.

By Media Zona

/ 14 Sep 2018

“You’re a normal guy, you understand everything”: Russian anti-fascist Viktor Filinkov on prison life under threat of torture

In January 2018, Viktor Filinkov was abducted in St Petersburg. When he resurfaced days later, he had been tortured by the security services and confessed to terrorism charges. This is the second part of his prison diary.

By Viktor Filinkov

/ 27 Apr 2018

How Ingushetia's independent media and opposition were harassed, exiled and murdered out of existence

Ten years ago, the North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia was undergoing a bloody security operation. Today, there’s not much left.

By Yegor Skovoroda and Maria Klimova

/ 2 Apr 2018

By banning Russian propaganda, the UK will help Putin in his campaign against press freedom

Why banning Russia Today will have consequences for press freedom in Russia.

By Sergey Smirnov

/ 19 Mar 2018

“The main thing at that moment, in that situation, was to come out alive”

A recent public action in support of tortured anarchists in the city of Chelyabinsk has led to a backlash. Here, two people reveal how they were tortured by the FSB.

By Yegor Skovoroda

/ 28 Feb 2018

“You should understand: FSB officers always get their way!”: Viktor Filinkov reveals how he was tortured by Russian security services

On 24 January 2018, I was tortured by the FSB into confessing to terrorism charges. Here is what happened.

By Viktor Filinkov

/ 28 Feb 2018