Svetlana Darova
Svetlana Darova, born 1949, Karachay-Cherkessia. Charges: Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code (Participation in the activities of an extremist organization); “The case of an extremist organisation in Cherkessk”. Sentence (February 4, 2026): 6 years of probation. Status: at large.
In brief
Karachay-Cherkessia · Cherkessk · Lawyers · Extremism cases, Cases related to mass actions
Sentence
6 years
of probation
First instance, July 14, 2025: 7 years
Charges
- Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code — Participation in the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, he spread information about the continued existence of the USSR/RSFSR, denied the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the legitimacy of the state authorities and laws of Russia, attempted to obstruct the activities of the Rospotrebnadzor office (Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare) by demanding the "cancellation of regulations adopted as part of the fight against coronavirus," and the work of the republican government by organizing rallies outside its building.
Latest event
February 4, 2026 — appeal
The court changed the sentence to 6 years.
Timeline
· Appeal ruling
sentence changed · 6 years
· Imprisonment begins
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 7 years
· Added to the Rosfinmonitoring list of “terrorists and extremists”
· Persecution begins
The case of an extremist organisation in Cherkessk
· Preventive measure: travel ban (written undertaking)
Criminal case
The case of an extremist organisation in Cherkessk
- Case number
- 1-16/2025
Other defendants in the case
- Vladimir Ilichev — At large, 3 years 6 months
- Oleko Kuzhev — Imprisoned, 6 years 1 month
- Adnan Meremshaov — Imprisoned, 6 years 1 month
- Aslan Naptugov — At large, 5 years
- Olga Primak — At large, 4 years
- Anita Tukova — At large, 4 years
- Abdulmalik Shoev — At large, 3 years 6 months
- Larisa Yakusheva — At large, 6 years
Details and sources
Full summary
A resident of Karachay-Cherkessia, a supporter of the "citizens of the USSR" movement. She was on trial for participation in the activities of an extremist community and is on a recognisance not to leave the country. On 14 July 2025, Darova was sentenced to seven years' suspended sentence. On 4 February 2026, the court of appeal reduced the term by one year.
Other people prosecuted under Article 282.2 part 2, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.