Moscow Helsinki Group has issued a statement yesterday about Russia's attacks on Ukraine.
The Moscow Helsinki Group is the eldest human rights Russian organization, formed in 1976 after creation of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe.
In early March 2022 almost all existing independent media outlets in Russia were forced to close. On March 4, 2022 Russia has blocked Facebook.
On March 4, 2022 the RF President has signed the bill that amends the Criminal Code of Russian Federation. The amendments impose criminal liability for fakes about military operations, for calls for sanctions, and for discrediting the Russian Armed Forces for a sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment:
for deliberately false information - a fine from 700 thousand to 1.5 million rubles (approx. $7 000 - $15 000), or up to three years in prison;
for deliberately false information that entailed grave consequences - from 10 to 15 years in prison;
for calls to prevent the troops from defending the interests of Russia - a fine of 100 thousand to 300 thousand rubles (approx. $1 000 - $3 000), or up to three years in prison;
for calls to obstruct or discredit the troops, which entailed grave consequences - a fine from 300 thousand to 1 million rubles (approx. $3 000 - $10 000), or up to five years in prison;
for calls for sanctions against Russia - a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles (approx. $5 000), or up to three years in prison (if earlier that year the offender was brought to administrative responsibility for the same action).
Moscow Helsinki Group statement March 3, 2022
In the life of every generation there come moments that divide life before and after.
On the night of February 24, Russia attacked Ukraine. Russian shells fall on the streets of Ukrainian cities. Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes, millions are hiding in bomb shelters. Russian troops are trying to take dozens of Ukrainian cities and meet resistance not only from the Ukrainian army, but also from the population. Most Ukrainians call Russian soldiers occupants. According to the Ministry of Defense official information, 498 soldiers died in the first five days; whereas the Ukrainian authorities report thousands killed and captive. The exact number of casualties among civilians is unknown, but for the entire population of Ukraine, this is a shock and a nightmare that has become a reality.
According to numerous messages from relatives to the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers, Russian servicemen were explained that they are participating in a "peacekeeping operation," many are being persuaded to sign a contract, many are being deceived. And they are sent to participate in the fratricidal war, which they did not start. On television and in the official media, only one point of view is conveyed, explaining that others are fake. They explain that we are protecting ourselves from external threats, but this is not how we protect ourselves. Russia attacked Ukraine: this is war, and this is aggression, a crime against peace and humanity.
This war does nothing for us and our country, nothing for the world. It did not increase, but sharply weakened the security of our country. It carries death and hatred. Unprecedented sanctions have fallen upon our country, which severely affect the economy, prosperity, and stability, the weal declared as the goal by the authorities for many years. Forget about the life once known.
This terrible choice to start a war was made by a small group of people speaking on behalf of all Russians. The choice was made for us, but they do not represent us.
Tens of thousands of Russians came out to protest, more than a million have signed various appeals against the hostilities. Organizations and ordinary people: singers, musicians, athletes, scientists, businessmen, politicians - with hundreds of thousands of subscribers’ audiences - expressed their position. The “no war” attitude. The government responds with denial, intimidation, and stiffs the legislation. They don't talk to us, they don't consider us, they don't hear us. We are all forced to be part of the war, to spread the share of responsibility for their decisions with the president and the leadership of the country. But to start a war, to send soldiers to kill and be killed, is their decision.
Moscow Helsinki Group is the oldest active human rights organization in the post-Soviet space. The MHG launched the international Helsinki Movement, which argued that human rights, peace, and security are inextricably linked. Now we are witnessing the collapse of the European security system. Our organization was founded by veterans of the Great Patriotic War, and therefore what is happening now is unthinkable and bitter for us. We remember well where censorship, the persecution of dissidents, the omnipotence of the secret services and the concentration of power led our country to international isolation, economic backwardness, and disintegration.
To participate in the war, to support it, to approve or disagree, to remain silent or to resist - this is a decision that everyone makes for himself.
Anyone can say "no," even if it's scary and they won't be alone. Everyone can find their own form of disagreement. If we do not want war on our behalf, then we must find common ways to stop further bloodshed and call for peace. Do not participate in decisions that lead to continued war and violence. Do not follow criminal orders. Unite with others, find those who will support you and your position - they are found in every city, in every professional group. Look for those forms of disagreement with the war and non-participation that suit you. Tell others that there is a war going on, and support those who say “no to war” and demand it be stopped. We did not start this war, but it depends on us how many more lives it takes, how many destinies it destroys. The war must stop. And this is our responsibility.
No war!
Moscow Helsinki Group