The First Eastern District Military Court has sentenced 86-year-old Sakhalin human rights activist Mark Kuperman to a fine of 500,000 rubles after finding him guilty of allegedly inciting terrorism online (under Part 2, Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code).
The criminal case was based on a document titled “The West’s Plan to Change the Regime in Russia: Humanitarian Occupation”, which, according to investigators, Kuperman allegedly distributed via Telegram in January 2023. Kuperman firmly denies ever seeing or sharing the document. The case was initially opened under extremism charges but later reclassified.
Kuperman maintains his innocence and believes he is being persecuted for his outspoken anti-war views:
“I oppose any war that isn’t defensive. I’m against the so-called ‘special military operation’ because it contradicts the UN Charter and the Helsinki Accords, which require respect for postwar borders as a foundation of peace in Europe. War destroys the most fundamental human right — the right to life,” he told the outlet Govorít NeMoskva.
Despite his advanced age, Kuperman says he will appeal the verdict.
Under Pressure and Surveillance
The court also imposed a two-year ban on Kuperman from publishing content online. However, he noted that he does not run any blogs or social media accounts, and found the restriction confusing.
According to Kuperman, law enforcement installed a hidden camera in his apartment and recorded a video call with fellow human rights advocate Lev Ponomarev. At the time, members of the Sakhalin branch of the “For Human Rights” movement were present, discussing Russia’s future and the very document at the center of the case. Kuperman believes this surveillance formed the basis of the accusations against him.
The prosecution's key witness was a former colleague of Kuperman’s, who, as Kuperman suspects, agreed to testify under pressure and threat of criminal prosecution.
The investigative team working on the case included 13 people, among them three colonels.
“Don’t think I’m bragging, but I felt a strange sense of satisfaction. For a long time, I felt diminished — so many of my colleagues are either abroad, imprisoned, or have been killed,” Kuperman reflected.
Who Is Mark Kuperman?
Mark Kuperman is a well-known public figure in Sakhalin. In the early 1990s, he served as the first mayor of the Okhinsky District. Later, he became vice-governor of the Sakhalin Region but resigned due to disagreements with regional governor Igor Farkhutdinov.
He went on to found the Oha television and radio company and currently chairs the Sakhalin regional branch of the “For Human Rights” movement. He is also a member of the Moscow Helsinki Group.
Public and International Response
Kuperman’s attorney, Natalia Kasilova, commented on the case:
“It’s tragic that in our country, people are being prosecuted for what amounts to kitchen-table conversations. And there was objectively nothing criminal in these discussions.”
In February 2025, a group of UN human rights rapporteurs condemned the criminal prosecution of Kuperman and called on the Russian government to drop all charges. The French-based human rights organization Centre de la Protection Internationale has also spoken out against the verdict.
Conclusion
Mark Kuperman’s story is a stark example of how even age and decades of public service do not shield individuals from political persecution. His case raises serious questions about the state of human rights and free speech in Russia. Despite everything, Kuperman remains firm in his convictions and continues to seek justice.
O. Ivanenko
