According to a report by a Russian news site RTVI.com, the Russian authorities have opened a new criminal case against Azat Miftakhov, accusing him of “incitement to terrorism.” The new charge, under Article 205.2, part 1 of Russia’s criminal code carries the maximum penalty of a fine of 100,000 to 500,000 roubles or a prison term of two to five years.
Azat is currently scheduled to be released on parole from the prison colony in Omutninsk on September 4, 2023. Despite an escalating series of punishments against Azat on various made-up pretexts in the last two months by the colony administration, it seemed possible that he may indeed be released on September 4, as scheduled, even if under significant restrictions.
However, this new charge appears to indicate that the Russian authorities intend to keep Azat imprisoned.
We condemn the new criminal charge against Azat Miftakhov and demand that he be freed. Like the original “hooliganism” charge of which Azat was convicted, the new “incitement to terrorism charge” is a political fabrication with no basis in reality. Azat Miftakhov is a talented young mathematician and he should be released so that he can resume his mathematical studies and research. His continued imprisonment and prosecution represent a manifest injustice and cannot be tolerated.
The Azat Miftakhov Committee
The case of Azat Miftakhov 