Sasha Skochilenko, a 33-year-old artist from St Petersburg, has been in custody since April of the previous year. She was found guilty of disseminating “false information” about the Russian military. Her defense team argued for her release, citing her chronic health conditions, including a risk of dying in prison due to these ailments.
Skochilenko protested Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by replacing price labels in a St Petersburg supermarket with anti-war messages, an action inspired by a feminist collective. The messages on the labels included statements about the Russian army bombing an art school in Mariupol and criticism of Russia’s actions against Ukraine.
Despite admitting to the charges, Skochilenko remained defiant in court, questioning the strength of the state if it could be threatened by mere paper messages. She was convicted under laws that criminalize anti-war activism, adopted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Her trial was prolonged, partly because it was among the first under these new laws. Her lawyer, Yana Nepovinnova, noted the lengthy investigation to gather evidence. Sasha’s sister, Anna, described her as representing everything opposed by Russian authorities, highlighting her artistic nature, sexual orientation, and Ukrainian heritage. Anna also expressed grave concerns about Sasha’s health in prison, given her diagnosis of coeliac disease and a heart condition causing
