In Russia, freedom of expression is severely restricted and anti-war statements face harsh repression from the authorities. Yegor Shtovba, a poet, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for attending an anti-war poetry reading. Stand in solidarity with Yegor and send him a message now.
What’s the problem?
On 25 September 2022, poet Yegor Shtovba attended a poetry reading in Moscow that was protesting Russia’s troop mobilization for the war against Ukraine. This poetry reading had long been a space for dissenting voices.
During the event, Shtovba was arrested and then detained until the following day. On 26 September, he was fined for an alleged administrative violation and was immediately re-arrested.
On 28 September, Yegor Shtovba, along with poet and activist Artyom Kamardin, were charged with “inciting hatred”. In March 2023, they were also charged with “undermining state security”. On 28 December 2023, Shtovba was sentenced to five and a half years in prison.
I will stay true to my beliefs, even if enduring it is hard, even if I face cold and horror.
Yegor Shotvba, Values
Before his arrest, Yegor was studying to become a teacher at the Faculty of Philology at Moscow Oblast State University and was working to support his parents who are both disabled. He has published two collections of poems and one of his prose works.
What you can do to help
Send a message of support to Yegor Shtovba now to show him he is not alone. Together we are more powerful.