The mother of Andrei Pivovarov has begun a picket in Kostroma

September 21, 2015

Raisa Tiurina

Raisa Tiurina, the mother of Andrei Pivovarov, the St Petersburg politician and head of the Kostroma branch of the Parnas opposition political party, has begun a picket in support of her son in Kostroma. She is demanding an end to his criminal prosecution.

Andrei Pivovarov has so far been detained for 56 days. On 31 July, Raisa Tiurina’s apartment was searched. An investigator came from Kostroma to St Petersburg especially to question her, but she refused to testify, citing the 51st article of the Constitution.

Pivovarov is accused of having committed various crimes, including abuse of office (Part 4, and Part 1 of the criminal code); and illegal access to digital information (Part 3). He maintains his innocence and considers that these criminal proceedings are revenge on the part of the government for his active participation in the recent Kostroma elections to the regional legislature.

Memorial, the human rights organisation, has recognised Pivovarov as a political prisoner.

In recent days, in accordance with a new strategy of defence chosen by Andrei Pivovarov, several changes have been made to his team of lawyers. Andrei is now being defended by lawyers from Open Russia, with the agreement of his relatives and close friends.

More details about Andrei Pivovarov’s case and the ways in which you can support him can be found here.