A Russian court last week imposed one year of restrictions on ophthalmologist Dr Anastasia Vasileya. A Jurist report notes that the sanctions restrict her movements and require monthly mandatory checks with the Russian state supervisor. She has been forbidden from leaving Moscow or attending mass events such as protests or concerts.
She was first thrown into the limelight after treating opposition leader Alexei Navalny after he was assaulted by pro-Kremlin extremists. She became a vocal supporter of Navalny and defended his innocence after he was charged with embezzlement in 2017. Vasileya is the head of the Alliance of Doctors trade union, which advocated for the release of Alexei Navalny, and was as a result included in the Russian foreign agent list.
This list has been criticised by human rights groups due to the scrutiny and regulations faced by listed organisations. Last week’s verdict was decided on the grounds that the pro-Navalny demonstrations promoted by Vasilyeva led to people violating COVID-19 restrictions. Vasileya tweeted that she would be appealing the decision. Other Navalny allies have been prosecuted on similar charges. They include Nalvany’s secretary and assistant Kira Yarmysh, and member of the Russian Opposition Co-ordination Council Lyubov Sobol.
Jurist article – Russian court sanctioned activists doctor who treated Alexei Navalny (Open access)
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