Evgeny Bukhantsev applies for US asylum

Evgeny Bukhantsev, a resident of the Krasnodar Territory, who left Russia for the USA due to fear of criminal prosecution for his pacifist actions, has asked for asylum there.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported, in April, Evgeny Bukhantsev, an activist, was detained near the building of the Kuban State Technological Institute with a poster demanding truthful information. Then, the local court fined him by 15,000 roubles for discrediting the Russian Army. On May 17, law enforcers again detained Bukhantsev, who went out to a pacifist picket at the building of the Kuban (Krasnodar Territorial) administration. On the same day, it became known that law enforcers had launched a check against him under a criminal article on discrediting the armed forces.

On July 16, Evgeny Bukhantsev told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that in April, he held a picket because of his professional solidarity with mass media workers, since he is a journalist by education.

According to his story, the police hinted to him that due to his protest activities, he could lose the opportunity to earn money.

However, Evgeny was released from the police station. Then, according to his version, he decided to leave for the United States. "Now, I'm under the asylum procedure. I have an appointment with an immigration officer," the activist has explained.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 17, 2022 at 03:03 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.