On 29 December Mikhail Iosilevich’s trial started in the city of Nizhnii Novgorod, central Russia. He is arbitrarily accused of cooperation with an “undesirable” organisation, threatening a “witness” in the case and failing to inform the authorities of his second citizenship. He is being targeted for peacefully exercising his rights to freedom of expression and association. Charges against him must be dropped and he must be able to continue his peaceful activism without fear of persecution.
