political repression

Germany launches hotline for refugees facing foreign harassment

Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has launched a special hotline for people who sought refuge in the country after fleeing authoritarian states, including Russia, China, and Iran, Reuters reported on Aug. 20.

21 August, 11:57 AM

Putin intensifies repression as Russia prepares for State Duma vote

Russian leader Vladimir Putin is intensifying his crackdown even on opposition groups he once tolerated as his approval ratings fall to record lows, The Telegraph reported on Aug. 8.

9 August, 11:13 PM

Family targeted in Belarus treason case linked to daughter residing in Ukraine

A Belarusian court sentenced Dmitry and Tatyana Korsakov to 14 and 12 years in prison, respectively, on charges of treason and illegal weapons trafficking, while their daughter, Pelageya Korsakova, was sentenced in absentia to 11 years, independent Belarusian outlet Salidarnasts reported on June 11.

12 June, 03:39 PM

Russia makes seizing dissidents’ property easier

The Russian State Duma has approved a bill allowing authorities to seize the property of Russians who have left the country without a court order, independent outlet The Moscow Times reported on May 26.

26 May, 08:36 PM

Crimean Tatar ensemble leaders detained in St. Petersburg

Crimean Tatar symbols prompted the detention of three leaders of the Nefes children’s dance ensemble from occupied Crimea during a trip to Saint Petersburg, Russian media outlets reported on May 18. According to Fontanka, Rotonda, and Kanal 78, the ensemble from Simferopol arrived in St. Petersburg to perform at the Russia — My History park on May 18.

18 May, 06:20 PM

How Russian priests and FSB dismantle religious freedom in occupied Ukraine

Destroyed religious communities, tortured priests, banned books — NV uncovered these and other facts about the work of Russian clergy and the FSB on occupied Ukrainian territory.

18 November 2025, 09:54 AM

SBI serves Vitalii Shabunin multiple summonses for questioning

The State Bureau of Investigation has delivered several summonses for questioning to Vitalii Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, requiring him to appear. He is currently in Kyiv, the organization announced on Facebook on July 14.

14 July 2025, 03:04 PM

‘A defining moment’: ZN.UA accuses Zelenskyy of pressure over Shabunin case

In a statement published on July 12, the editorial board of Ukrainian outlet ZN.UA has condemned the searches and criminal charges brought against Vitalii Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center and a prominent civic activist, calling the case “a defining moment.”

13 July 2025, 01:35 PM

Shabunin issues first statement after SBI raids, accuses Zelenskyy of turning toward corrupt authoritarianism

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) on July 11 announced it had formally notified Vitalii Shabunin of suspicion for evading military service and committing fraud. The following day, July 12 at 15 p.m., the Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC), which Shabunin has led for many years, published his first public comment on Facebook following searches of his home and the military unit where he serves.

12 July 2025, 04:30 PM

Anti-Corruption Action Center says SBI acting in sync with pro-government Telegram channels in Shabunin case

The Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) issued a public statement condemning the criminal case and searches targeting its co-founder, Vitalii Shabunin, as politically motivated and legally baseless. The statement, published by NV’s sister publication Ukrainska Pravda on July 12, describes the case as “lawlessness and a public act of political punishment.”

12 July 2025, 04:18 PM

State Bureau of Investigation accuses anti-corruption leader Shabunin of draft evasion, fraud

Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said on July 11 it had notified a civil society activist of suspicion for evading military service and committing fraud. Though the agency did not name the individual, multiple sources confirmed to Suspilne that the person in question is Vitalii Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center.

12 July 2025, 02:05 PM

Three Crimean political prisoners released after 9 years

After nine years in a Russian prison, three Crimean political prisoners from the "first Bakhchysarai group" case—Remzi Memetov, Zevri Abseitov, and Rustem Abiltarov—have been released, the human rights organization Crimean Solidarity reported on Facebook on Feb. 11.

11 February 2025, 06:58 PM

Students and parents in Russia report teachers who oppose war against Ukraine

More than 100 administrative cases and over 20 criminal cases have been filed against Russian teachers who do not support the so-called "Special Military Operation" since the war outbreak, human rights media project OVD-Info reported on Sept. 2.

2 September 2024, 02:18 PM

Ukraine honors victims of USSR regime, drawing parallels to Russia’s current methods

On the Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repressions, Ukrainians honor those who suffered or died under the communist regime of the USSR.

19 May 2024, 11:10 AM

political repression