Russian activist detained for alleged illegal immigration organization
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 February 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian activist detained for alleged illegal immigration organization, 23 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a593c.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 23, 2017
Russian activist Oleg Melnikov
The founder of Russia's Against Slavery nongovernmental organization has been detained on suspicion of organizing illegal immigration.
Oleg Melnikov told the Mediazona news portal that he and another activist, as well as four migrant workers from former Soviet republics, were detained in the town of Krasnogorsk near Moscow, on February 22.
The migrant workers from Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan were temporarily living in a facility in Krasnogorsk that the activists had helped to turn into makeshift housing.
According to Melnikov, the four were living there while their papers were being taken care of by the activists.
The Russian Criminal Code stipulates punishment of up to five years in jail for facilitating illegal immigration.
Melnikov formerly headed another antislavery group called Alernativa, which made headlines in 2012 when it helped release 11 people from de facto slavery.
With reporting by zona.media
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
