Monthly Report of the Deputy Ombudsman of the Chuvash Republic for Human Rights
Reporting Period: September 2025
Prepared by: Rodion Evdokimov,
Deputy Ombudsman of the Chuvash Republic for Human Rights
As Deputy Ombudsman of the Chuvash Republic for Human Rights, I present an analysis of the situation in the region based on incoming reports of key events. The
report covers violations in the areas of elections, education, ecology, digital rights, and corruption. For each section, a description of the facts is provided, along with a
legal assessment taking into account international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948), the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966), the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR, 1950), ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association
and Protection of the Right to Organise (1948), and other relevant standards.
Violations During the Election Campaign and Elections for the Head of the Chuvash Republic
Description of Events
In September 2025, numerous instances of pressure on opposition candidates and coercion to vote were recorded. Police in Cheboksary attempted to seize banners of the LDPR candidate Konstantin Stepanov without drawing up protocols, thereby paralyzing his campaigning. Similarly, banners of the “Novye Lyudi” (New People)
candidate Arkady Pavlov were damaged by unknown persons. Deputy candidate Alexey Fedorov was subjected to police harassment, including a chase and blocking
of his vehicle without explanation. The incumbent head Oleg Nikolaev avoided debates, despite participating in them five years earlier. The “Yedinaya Rossiya”
(United Russia) party placed campaign cubes at public transport stops without output data, violating the law, while opposition materials were seized. The election results showed a lack of real competition: the KPRF candidate was not admitted, and turnout in districts was inflated without independent oversight. Large-scale coercion included door-to-door visits and supervision of voting via remote electronic voting (DEG) at enterprises and budgetary institutions.
Legal Assessment
These actions violate the right to free and fair elections (Art. 21 UDHR, Art. 25 ICCPR), as well as freedom of expression and association (Arts. 19–20 UDHR, Art.
10 ECHR). Police pressure on candidates qualifies as abuse of power and may fall under the prohibition of arbitrary interference in political activity (Art. 17 ICCPR).
The absence of debates and competition undermines the principle of pluralism recommended by the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. Coercion to vote
contravenes the prohibition on forced labor and pressure (ILO Convention No. 87, Art. 7 ECHR). It is recommended to re-hold the elections, conduct investigations by
the prosecutor’s office, and implement OSCE monitoring to ensure the legitimacy of the elections.
Coercion to Vote in Budgetary Institutions and Enterprises
Description of Events
In several institutions, coercion of employees to vote for Oleg Nikolaev and “Yedinaya Rossiya” (United Russia) via DEG under the supervision of management was recorded. At Secondary School No. 59, principal Olga Kurmaeva required teachers to vote in her office and agitate parents. Similarly, at Primary School No. 2 for Children with Disabilities, principal Venera Ivanova threatened reprimands and dismissals. At the Municipal Unitary Enterprise “Cheboksary Electric Networks” and the Republican Children’s Clinical Hospital (RDCH), voting was conducted at workplaces with reporting. Campaign newspapers were distributed at school meetings despite the ban on agitation in educational institutions.
Legal Assessment
This is a direct violation of the right to secret ballot and freedom from coercion (Art. 21 UDHR, Art. 25 ICCPR). Pressure on employees of budgetary organizations
qualifies as abuse of official position and may be regarded as a form of forced labor (ILO Convention No. 29). In the context of children’s rights and education
(Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, Arts. 28–29), agitation in schools undermines the neutrality of the educational environment. The ECHR (Art. 8)
protects the right to respect for private life, including political beliefs. It is necessary to conduct independent inspections and introduce measures to protect workers in
accordance with the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee.
Environmental Incidents
Description of Events
On September 2, in the village of Chemursha, the Kukshum River suddenly turned white, presumably due to discharges of wastewater or industrial waste. Residents
expressed concern for the ecosystem and health, demanding a response from ecologists.
Legal Assessment
Pollution of water bodies violates the right to a healthy environment (Art. 12 ICESCR, 1966; Aarhus Convention, 1998, on access to environmental information).
The UDHR (Art. 25) implies the right to an adequate standard of living, including clean water. The lack of prompt investigation contravenes the state’s duty to prevent
environmental harm (principles of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration, 1992). Monitoring by the Ministry of Natural Resources and public involvement in accordance with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) are recommended.
Digital Rights and Communications
Description of Events
From September 1, work, student, and school chats were forced to switch to the Max application under pressure from authorities; a government commission was created to promote it. Head Nikolaev announced an “antibot” to ensure access to “habitual resources” during internet restrictions, without specifying details.
Legal Assessment The forced switch to Max may violate freedom of expression and association in the digital environment (Art. 19 ICCPR, Art. 10 ECHR). The lack of platform choice undermines data privacy (Art. 17 ICCPR; GDPR-like standards in the Russian Federation). An “antibot” without transparency risks becoming a tool of censorship, contradicting the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion (2018). It is necessary to ensure alternative platforms and algorithm transparency in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011).
Incidents in Education
Description of Events
At School No. 6 named after Chapaev, principal Nadezhda Makarova insulted a student and her mother over appearance (dyed hair, shoes), threatening “school
registration.” The video went viral, but the administration did not respond.
Legal Assessment
This violates the right to dignity and equality (Arts. 1–2 UDHR, Art. 14 ECHR), as well as the child’s right to education without discrimination (Convention on the
Rights of the Child, Arts. 2, 28). The lack of response from authorities contravenes the duty to protect against humiliation (Art. 7 ICCPR). Disciplinary investigation and
child rights training for educators are recommended.
Corruption and Abuse of Power
Description of Events
Chairman of the Yadri District Assembly Alexander Matveev (member of “Yedinaya Rossiya” (United Russia)) was arrested for fraud: he extorted 2 million rubles,
promising protection from prosecution. Previously convicted of extortion and assault. A commissioned article in Vedomosti praised Nikolaev’s development plan until 2030.
Legal Assessment
Corruption violates the right to fair governance (Art. 21 UDHR, UN Convention against Corruption, 2003). Commissioned materials undermine freedom of the press
(Art. 19 ICCPR). Repeated crimes indicate systemic issues in cadre selection, contradicting the rule of law principle (Art. 14 ECHR). Strengthening anti-corruption
measures and independent audits in accordance with GRECO recommendations (Group of States against Corruption) are necessary.
Conclusion and Recommendations
September 2025 was characterized by systemic human rights violations in Chuvashia, particularly in the context of elections, where coercion and suppression of opposition dominated. The overall level of social tension increased due to the lack of transparency and accountability. It is recommended:
- Conduct independent investigations of all incidents with the involvement of the
prosecutor’s office and federal authorities. - Strengthen human rights monitoring through cooperation with the UN and the
Council of Europe. - Organize public hearings to discuss reforms.
- Ensure protection of workers.