When:
15.01.2025 @ 11:12 – 12:12
Europe/Helsinki Timezone
2025-01-15T11:12:00+02:00
2025-01-15T12:12:00+02:00
About the case: Alexander Valeryevich Skobov is accused of publicly justifying terrorism by posting messages on a Telegram channel, as well as participating in the terrorist community “Forum of Free Russia”* where Skobov shared several texts identical to those on his Telegram channel.
The case is being heard by the 1st Western District Military Court, with Judge Alexander Alexandrovich Khludnev presiding.
In court, attorney Karagodin V.Y. and senior prosecutor of the St. Petersburg Prosecutor’s Office, Yankovskaya Y.S., were present. The defendant and attorney Kosnyrev V.V. participated via videoconference from the Syktyvkar City Court, where a police convoy officer was also present. Neither a judge nor any staff members of the mentioned court were in attendance.
The prosecutor petitioned to close the court session during the reading of the “report” and the “expert commission’s findings,” after which the trial would resume in an open setting to examine evidence related to the charge under Part 2, Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code.
Attorney Karagodin did not object. Defendant Skobov stated his “negative” opinion. The second defense attorney questioned the rationale for the prosecutor’s motion to review this evidence in a closed session, citing the absence of state secrets or other legally protected information in the case materials. The court asked the prosecutor to justify the motion, but the prosecutor refused, claiming it was “pointless” because “it is already clear that this information should not be disclosed in front of observers”.
Kosnyrev (defense attorney): “Your Honor, well, that’s quite a watertight argument: “pointless”. Honestly, I don’t even know how to respond to that”.
Court: “Do you object or not, attorney?”
Kosnyrev: “Your Honor, the issue here is about restricting the public nature of the trial..”.
Court: “Do you object or not, attorney?“
Kosnyrev: “Yes, Your Honor, I object. I see no grounds for this. Apparently, the prosecutor doesn’t see any either, or she would have provided them. I believe she would have explained why this evidence needs to be examined in a closed session”.
Court: “Does the defendant wish to express his opinion on the motion?”
Skobov: “Negative”.
The court granted the prosecutor’s motion, closing the session and removing the public during the reading of the two documents. The trial resumed in an open format to continue examining further evidence.
In the corridor, Skobov’s wife, Olga Shcheglova, explained to interested observers and media representatives that the expert report being reviewed in the closed session was a psychological-psychiatric evaluation. She noted that the report was extensive (which explained the lengthy time spent reviewing it) and had concluded that Skobov was deemed sane.
The closed portion of the session lasted approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Public then invited back into the courtroom. The prosecutor proceeded to present additional evidence (a condensed list follows):
- Report by Kozhukhov, Deputy Head of the Investigative Department of the Russian FSB in the Komi Republic, dated March 6, 2024. It cited indications of criminal activity under Part 2, Article 205.4 of the Russian Criminal Code in the actions of members of the “Free Russia Forum”* community, including Kasparov, Tyutrin, Chirikova, Gudkov, and others, who continued activities within the community. The report recommended investigative measures under Articles 144–145 of the Russian Criminal Procedure Code.
- Protocol of Document and Object Examination dated February 10, 2024, by senior operative Bardachev. It described the discovery of the “Free Russia Forum”* community on Telegram, with a description reading: “an independent platform of the Russian opposition,” as well as links to websites and social media. Publications included:
- Alexander Skobov: “The Free Russia Forum”* demanded increased military aid to Ukraine to defeat Putin’s Russia, recognizing that only military defeat would halt the aggression”.
- Post dated October 6, 2023: A summary of an anti-war conference in Tallinn, where participants supported a resolution to endorse all forms of armed resistance to the Putin regime, including aid to volunteers fighting on Ukraine’s side. Over 200 participants from 35 countries attended, including politicians, experts, and Ukrainian representatives. The absence of Russophobia in the Baltic states and the importance of their cooperation with the Russian opposition were highlighted.
- Post dated October 21, 2023: The “Council of the Free Russia Forum”* was formed, comprising well-known politicians, experts, and representatives of working groups and regional chapters. The Council would serve as the governing body for a one-year term.
- Post dated October 25, 2023: Forum* representatives organized events in Riga, Tallinn, Warsaw, and other cities. Sanction lists were created, and initiatives were launched to assist victims of the war.
- Post dated October 27, 2023: An auction, organized by the “Free Russia Forum”* in collaboration with Action4.life, was announced. Proceeds were directed to support Russian volunteers in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Kastus Kalinouski Regiment. Garry Kasparov presented special auction lots and actively participated in the event.
- Post dated November 2, 2023: One of the lots was a set of postage stamps signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi. The funds were allocated for training and equipping volunteers supporting Ukraine.
- Post dated November 3, 2023: Katerina Margolis presented paintings inspired by the tragic events of the war. One notable work, “Morning Walk,” emphasized civilian suffering during the conflict.
- Post dated November 3, 2023: Lots from the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK)* included artifacts obtained during operations in Russia, such as a battle flag, the uniform of a prisoner, and other items reflecting the Corps’ activities.
- Post dated November 5, 2023: Garry Kasparov presented a chessboard with his autograph and other personal items. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of supporting volunteers, calling it a step toward democratic changes in Russia and restoring trust between Russian and Ukrainian societies.
- Post dated November 7, 2023: The auction was a continuation of the Anti-War Conference in Tallinn. Garry Kasparov stated that the war caused colossal damage to both Ukraine and Russia and stressed the need to support volunteers to bring the conflict to an end.
- Post dated November 9, 2023: Garry Kasparov gave a detailed interview, highlighting that supporting volunteers and the Ukrainian Armed Forces was a “moral line” for the Russian opposition. He stressed that today’s efforts would shape future relations with a free Ukraine and expressed confidence that Ukraine’s victory would pave the way for change in Russia. He drew parallels between the war and chess, emphasizing that in this conflict, there could only be one winner: Ukraine and the free world.
- Post dated November 10, 2023: The auction raised over 50,000 euros, which were allocated to support volunteers. Garry Kasparov called it an important step in strengthening international solidarity. The next event was scheduled for December in Riga.
At present, the prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence and requested to adjourn the session, planning to finish presenting written evidence at the next hearing.
The court adjourned. As the session ended, Skobov once again voiced praise for Ukraine.
*Organizations/associations designated as terrorist and banned within the Russian Federation.
