Ilya Shakursky, a Russian political prisoner anarchist, anti-fascist, and eco-activist born on April 10, 1996, in Mokshan, Penza region. His journey is marked by resilience, activism, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
EARLY ACTIVISM
During his school years, Shakursky demonstrated his commitment to environmentalism by leading efforts to clean the Moksha River, showcasing his passion for community and environmental well-being. In 2013, he gained recognition in anti-fascist circles after fearlessly standing against neo-Nazis in a now-famous confrontation where he boldly proclaimed, “Fascists suck, any more questions?. Later, this phrase appeared on anti-fascist merchandise created by his Moscow friends, and Ilya himself became known as a person ready to defend his convictions in any situation.
ACTIVISM AND INJUSTICE
From 2013 to 2017, Shakursky actively participated in various anti-fascist and anarchist actions in Penza and Moscow. His activism extended beyond political boundaries as he supported homeless animal shelters, organized food not bombs initiatives, and contributed to musical projects. Amidst his activism, Shakursky pursued academic endeavors, enrolling in the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences at Penza State University.
NETWORK CASE:
Ilya Shakursky was arrested in Penza on October 18, 2017. During the search, weapons and an explosive device were allegedly found in his apartment. Shakursky claims they were planted by FSB officers. Despite initial confession, he later stated it was coerced under torture by his lawyer Mikhail Grigoryan. His mother’s complaint against Grigoryan highlighted his failure to address reports of torture.
The torture became public knowledge on February 7, 2018, when his new lawyer, Anatoly Vakhterov, uncovered it. Shakursky retracted his confession in May 2018. FSB officers allegedly threatened his friend Victoria Frolova to coerce another confession in September 2018.
In July 2019, it emerged that files on Shakursky’s laptop were tampered with after his arrest. Prosecution claims he was a scout for the “Network” terrorist group, responsible for reconnaissance, bomb-making, and survival training.
On December 26, 2019, the prosecution sought a 16-year sentence.
In a deeply flawed legal process, Shakursky was sentenced to 16 years in a maximum-security prison on February 10, 2020. The charges ranged from organizing activities for the “Network” terrorist community to possession of weapons and explosives. Despite maintaining his innocence, Shakursky’s refusal to admit guilt contributed to one of the harshest sentences in the case.
Conclusion
Ilya Shakursky’s story epitomizes the struggle against injustice and state repression. Despite facing grave challenges, he remains a symbol of resilience and unwavering commitment to his principles. His fight is not just for his freedom but for justice and fairness for all.