Human rights activists will investigate the death of a Rostov activist in a pre-trial detention center

The human rights project “First Department” intends to conduct an independent investigation into the death of Rostov activist Anatoly Berezykov, who was detained for posting anti-war leaflets, in a pre-trial detention center. Berezykov’s death was announced on June 15. Prison staff said that he committed suicide, but his lawyer said that he had complained about being beaten, and she saw traces of electric shock on his body.

The “First Department” announced a collection of money to pay for the work of lawyers and conduct a medical examination. As reported in the human rights organization, the appeal to the Investigative Committee has already been submitted.

Immediately after Berezykov’s death, “Pervyi Otdel” was already collecting funds to pay for the activist’s funeral (he had no family, except for his elderly mother). The required 500,000 citizens collected in less than a day.

• 40-year-old Anatoly Berezykov was detained in Rostov-on-Don on May 10. Presumably, the reason for the detention was that he was pasting leaflets in the city of the Ukrainian project “I want to live”, which accepts requests from the Russian military for surrender. According to him, during the search, his ribs were broken and he was arrested on charges of disobeying the police.
• He told lawyer Iryna Gak about beatings, torture and threats of rape. According to the lawyer, she saw traces of electric shock torture on the body of her client.
• According to the information of the “First Department”, they wanted to open a case against Berezykov under the article about high treason.
• “First Department” is an association of lawyers and human rights defenders specializing in the protection of the rights of defendants in criminal cases of extremism, espionage, and treason.