When Vladimir Putin wants to lock you up and shut you down, you know you’re doing something right.
Mikhail Svetov, one of the most prominent figures in Russia’s Libertarian Party, was interrogated by the state’s Investigative Committee over allegations of so-called “sexual misconduct against a minor.” According to the Moscow Times, the criminal case stems from an Instagram post Svetov shared in 2012 that featured “a sexually suggestive photo” of his ex-girlfriend, Anastasia Starodubovskaya, who was 16 years old at the time, thus meeting Russia’s age of consent.
Svetov, a social media star, and Libertarian activist, was released by authorities on Thursday after an extensive interrogation that included a humiliating urological examination.
“Mikhail Svetov faces a fabricated criminal claim,” says Sergei Boiko, the chairman of Libertarian Party of Russia. “I believe this is just another attempt to discredit and pressure a popular political figure and activist.”
This is the second time in less than six months Svetov has found himself in the crosshairs of Russian authorities. In July, he was jailed after being convicted of holding a rally without a permit — after his permit applications were denied. After his release, Svetov announced a nationwide speaking tour to explain the value of civil liberties.
Members of Russia’s Libertarian Party say the latest criminal investigation is retaliation for Svetov’s tour. “We are absolutely sure that the real reason for prosecuting Svetov is his political activism,” said one Russian political activist.
The Libertarian Party of Russia and its organizer became a central voice of dissent in 2019, organizing protests, rallies, and voter registration drives around Moscow. On Nov. 3, Svetov announced he’d be stepping down from his position on the federal committee of the Libertarian Party of Russia to “work on a book and other projects.”
Days later, prosecutors announced that they would be pursuing a criminal case of “indecent assault” involving Svetov’s former girlfriend. The credibility of this case is almost nonexistent.
Corruption is widespread in Russia. Law enforcement agents routinely take bribes from criminals and often require bribes before they will investigate a crime. When it’s time to hand out land rights or public contracts, personal favors and payoffs dominate decision-making.
Corrupt national elections lack any meaningful competition or dissent. Local political machines are dominated by elites with close relationships with the national ruling party. When local leaders fail to support the party, they are ousted, or local elections are canceled.
Svetov vocally opposes and exposes this corruption on his YouTube channel, which boasts more than seven million views. He discusses libertarian ideas — including how to fight fraud by government officials and abuse by law enforcement — and has revealed video of election tampering.
Svetov’s Instagram page has been officially banned by Russia’s office of “federal censor.”
Many guests of Svetov’s program and supporters of his movement have also been targeted with violence, imprisoned, or charged with crimes. A 26-year-old programmer, Svetov’s co-organizer for this summer’s anti-government rallies, fled the country to avoid felony charges. One young woman is on trial for sharing “extremist” memes.
Lawrence Reed, president emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, which we are affiliated with, met with Svetov in his Moscow apartment in 2018. He called Svetov a hero.
“Mikhail Svetov is an extraordinary activist, and he’s inspiring teenagers and other young people to stand up and demand a freer society, where people can govern themselves,” Reed said. “Authoritarians cannot tolerate criticism, so peaceful people are targeted and harassed by the powerful. We encourage Mikhail, and all young people in Russia, to be courageous. Freedom is worth the struggle. People around the world must stand behind Mikhail’s message of peace and liberty.”
Asked why he thought the ruling elite felt threatened enough to pursue him, Svetov told a Russian news site: “I’m spreading ideas, proposing a vision of the future, and explaining in an accessible way to people that our country is poor for objective political reasons. I’m going to keep fighting for Russia, and I hope Russia will keep fighting for me.”
Jon Miltimore is the managing editor of the Foundation for Economic Education, where Laura Williams is a contributing writer.
