Report of the Deputy Independent Ombudsman of the Chuvashia Republic on Violations of Human Rights and Freedoms for August 2025

Deputy Independent Ombudsman of the Chuvashia Republic
Rodion Nikolaevich Evdokimov

Introduction

As Deputy Independent Ombudsman of the Chuvash Republic, I submit a monthly report on the state of human rights and freedoms in the region. An analysis of available sources for August 2025, including media, social media, and public reports, indicates a continued negative trend in human rights violations by the authorities. The main problems relate to prison conditions, restrictions on freedom of speech, manipulation of the electoral process, inequality before the law, corruption, personal data protection, and coercion to use digital platforms. The report is based on a summary of publicly available information and aims to draw attention to systemic violations by the authorities.

Violations of prisoners’ rights in correctional institutions

In August 2025, alarming signals were received regarding the situation at Correctional Colony No. 9 (IK-9) in the Chuvash Republic, where political prisoners from Crimea convicted in cases related to the Hizb ut-Tahrir organization (designated a terrorist organization in the Russian Federation) are being held. The defendants, Medzhit Abdurakhmanov and Akim Bekirov, complain of a systematic lack of medical care, which may constitute torture or inhuman treatment in violation of Article 21 of the Russian Constitution and the UN Convention against Torture.

Akim Bekirov (46, from Simferopol): Incarcerated since March 2019, transferred to Chuvashia in 2023. Complaints of osteochondrosis, skin diseases, and dental problems. The prison administration only offers painkillers, ignoring requests for medical attention. In this case administration violates the right to health protection (Article 41 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation) and can lead to irreversible health consequences.

Medzhit Abdurakhmanov: After being transferred to Penal Colony No. 9, he spent 11 months in penalty isulators and a punishment cell, without spending time in a general barracks. His family has been banned from visiting for two years, and recently, from using the funds in his bank account. Chronic illnesses have worsened, including stomach ulcers, skin rashes, tooth decay, headaches, and hypertension. Packages containing vitamins and medications are not being delivered. Such conditions deny the right to contact with family (Article 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation) and medical care.

These cases illustrate the use of criminal cases as a tool to pressure Crimean Tatars, often based on the testimony of “hidden witnesses.” The Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) of Chuvashia is responsible for these violations, which undermine the region’s reputation. I recommend that FSIN staff conduct an immediate medical examination by independent experts, reinstate visits, and inspect the conditions of detention.

Restriction of freedom of speech and information

In August, the head of the Republic, Oleg Nikolaev, announced a ban on photography and video recording of drone attacks, their consequences, countermeasures, the work of law enforcement agencies, and the location of important facilities. This decision by the Chuvash operational headquarters expands censorship and restricts freedom of speech (Article 29 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation) and the right to information (Article 24).

Such bans can be used to conceal incidents and prevent journalists and citizens from documenting violations. This creates an atmosphere of fear and reduces government transparency. I recommend reviewing the ban, taking into account the balance between security and citizens’ rights, with clear criteria for its application.

Violations of electoral rights and voting manipulation

August 2025 showed an intensification of campaigning for remote electronic voting (REV), raising suspicions of fraud. Social workers in Cheboksary are conducting door-to-door campaigns to encourage registration for REV, which constitutes coercion (a violation of Article 3 of the Federal Law “On the Basic Guarantees of Electoral Rights”).

• More than 150,000 voters have registered for the REV—a record high, accounting for approximately 15% of the total (906,769). Chuvashia ranks second in Russia for this indicator after Rostov Oblast.
• Public sector employees and those working in government agencies are being forced to register en masse at their workplaces, which contradicts the principle of voluntary elections.
• The spouse of the head of the Republic will chair the “Public Observation Headquarters,” which creates a conflict of interest and undermines the independence of the monitoring body.

The use of electronic voting as a possible tool for fraud deprives citizens of the right to fair elections (Article 32 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation).
Recommendations: abolishing the enforcement to use of electronic voting.

Inequality before the law and corruption

The case of Andrei Ivanov, the son of “Edinaya Russia” (ruling political party) deputy Alexander Ivanov of the Batyrevsky District, demonstrates the selectivity of justice. In August, a magistrate court sentenced him to 200 hours of community service for organizing gambling—a lenient sentence compared to similar cases (for example, the 6.5 years’ imprisonment for former deputy Yevgeny Borisov in 2016).

Earlier, in 2024, Ivanov beat businessman Vladimir Mulendeyev to death, but the case was reclassified as “causing death by negligence,” with a penalty of overnight house arrest and a fine. Such “justice” violates the principle of equality before the law and points to the influence of family ties and corruption. The sentence itself is unfair and should be reviewed. I recommend: reviewing the cases in higher courts, ensuring a fair trial, and conducting an investigation into corruption.

Personal data leak

The personal data of hundreds of thousands of citizens, including first and last names, residence addresses, and signature samples, was leaked from the official government portal of the Chuvash Republic. The leak included over 10,000 pages of documents related to the “People’s Budget” program, promoted by the head of the Republic, Oleg Nikolaev.

The data was accessible through Google without a password, which violates the Federal Law “On Personal Data” (No. 152-FZ). The documents contained forged signatures, creating the appearance of “public support.” This threatens citizens’ privacy and could lead to fraud. I recommend a security audit of the portal and ensuring compensation for the victims.

Inforsing to using of digital platforms

The Russian Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities has demanded that property management companies migrate their residential chats to the “national messenger” Max. An independent audit has shown that Max itself is spyware, constantly collecting user data, including contacts, camera, and microphone. This requirement has no legal basis and violates the freedom to choose means of communication (Article 29 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation). Property management companies, dependent on the authorities, are attempting to coerce residents while ignoring their rights. I recommend: refraining from unlawful demands and unlawful coercion.

Conclusion and recommendations

In August 2025, systematic violations of human rights and freedoms persist in the Chuvash Republic. The situation shows no signs of improvement.

Key issues include the lack of medical care for political prisoners, restrictions on freedom of speech, coercion to comply with the remote electronic voting (REV)—a system that hinders election transparency, impunity for individuals, corruption and nepotism, leaks of personal data, and unfounded demands to use the Max messenger.

The Deputy Independent Onbudsman for the Chuvash Republic calls on regional authorities and federal agencies to address the identified violations and ensure respect for the constitutional and international rights and freedoms of citizens.