64-year-old lawyer Maria Boncler from Kaliningrad has been arrested and charged under Article 275.1 of the Russian Criminal Code — "confidential cooperation with a foreign state." This is one of the first known uses of the new law, which allows authorities to prosecute citizens for undisclosed contact with foreigners deemed threatening by the FSB.

According to investigators, in 2024, Boncler allegedly provided classified information about Russian law enforcement officers to intelligence services of an unnamed "unfriendly" foreign country. The information reportedly came from her legal work. However, no specific details have been released, and the court hearing to determine her pretrial detention was closed to the public, despite protests from the defense.

Boncler is a well-known human rights advocate who has defended many political prisoners and anti-war activists. She founded the Kaliningrad branch of the Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers in 1995, providing support to conscripts and their families. In recent years, she represented clients charged under politically motivated cases — including Igor Baryshnikov, sentenced to 7.5 years for spreading so-called "fakes" about the Russian army. After his arrest, Baryshnikov’s mother, whom he cared for, passed away. Baryshnikov suffers from a serious illness and has been reportedly denied medical treatment in pretrial detention. Boncler repeatedly demanded proper care for him.

Just before Boncler’s arrest, searches were conducted at the homes of two other lawyers also defending Baryshnikov — Ekaterina Selizarova and Roman Morozov. Investigators told Morozov directly that they considered him a "partner" of Boncler, suggesting possible charges against him as well. Morozov is a political activist and member of the liberal Yabloko party.

Boncler’s arrest came shortly after the European Union expanded its sanctions list, targeting 28 Russian judges, prosecutors, and investigators for their role in politically motivated cases. Among them was Judge Olga Balandina, who sentenced Baryshnikov.

This is not the first time Boncler has been targeted. In 2022, she was fined 60,000 rubles for "discrediting" the Russian army — due to statements she made in court about the invasion of Ukraine. Now, she faces serious criminal charges and potential disbarment.


🔻 Author's Note:
Maria Boncler’s case is not just about a charge of "state treason" — it's a grim warning. When lawyers who defend dissenters become enemies of the state, it means the system is turning on its own guardians of justice. Helping others has become a crime, while silence is the only safety left. It’s deeply unfair — and terrifying.