Oleko Kuzhev
Oleko Kuzhev, born 1973, Karachay-Cherkessia. Charges: Article 222.1 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Illegal acquisition, transfer, storage, transportation, shipment or bearing of explosive substances…); Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code (Organization of the activities of an extremist organization); “The case of an extremist organisation in Cherkessk”. Sentence (February 4, 2026): 6 years 1 month's imprisonment in a general-regime penal colony. Status: imprisoned; deprived of liberty since May 1, 2022.
In brief
Karachay-Cherkessia · Cherkessk · Extremism cases, Cases related to mass actions
Sentence
6 years 1 month
s imprisonment in a general-regime penal colony
First instance, July 14, 2025: 8 years
Charges
- Article 222.1 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Illegal acquisition, transfer, storage, transportation, shipment or bearing of explosive substances or explosive devices
- Article 282.2 part 1, Russian Criminal Code — Organization of the activities of an extremist organization
Full wording of the charges
According to the investigation, he disseminated information about the continuation of the USSR/RFSR, denied the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the legitimacy of state power and laws of Russia, tried to interfere with the activities of the Rospotrebnadzor department, demanding "cancellation of regulations adopted within the framework of the fight against the coronavirus", and with the work of the republican government, organising protests in front of its building.
Latest event
April 1, 2026 — imprisonment begins
Timeline
· Imprisonment begins
· Appeal ruling
sentence changed · 6 years 1 month
· First-instance verdict
guilty verdict · 8 years
· Added to the Rosfinmonitoring list of “terrorists and extremists”
· Persecution begins
The case of an extremist organisation in Cherkessk
· Preventive measure: pre-trial detention
Criminal case
The case of an extremist organisation in Cherkessk
- Case number
- 1-16/2025
Other defendants in the case
- Svetlana Darova — At large, 6 years
- Vladimir Ilichev — At large, 3 years 6 months
- 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
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Details and sources
Full summary
Resident of Karachay-Cherkessia, supporter of the "citizens of the USSR" movement. Detained in May 2022 and taken into custody on charges of participation in the activities of an extremist community. Later he was also accused of possession of explosives. On 14 July 2025, Kuzhev was sentenced to eight years in a general regime penal colony. On 4 February 2026, the court of appeal reduced the sentence to six years and one month.
Other people prosecuted under Article 222.1 part 1, Russian Criminal Code
Under the same article, not necessarily in the same case.