Alexey Soldatov imprisoned in Russia: a scientist"s struggle for justice

Alexey Soldatov, a prominent scientist and pioneer of the Russian Internet, has faced severe legal challenges since 2019 when he was accused of domain name hijacking. Despite his significant contributions to the Internet infrastructure in Russia, including establishing the first Internet service provider in 1990, he has been imprisoned under harsh conditions. Soldatov, who is terminally ill with chronic heart failure and has undergone multiple surgeries, is currently held in a cell with inadequate medical care, raising concerns about his health and well-being. His son, Andrei Soldatov, an investigative journalist in exile, has expressed confusion and distress over the treatment of his father, describing it as cruel and unjust. The accusations against Soldatov are believed to be politically motivated, linked to the Kremlin's efforts to nationalize Internet infrastructure and suppress dissent. After initially being charged with fraud, the charges were downgraded to abuse of authority, leading to his release under house arrest, but the threat of imprisonment loomed over him. The situation has drawn attention from human rights activists, including Eva Merkachiova, who has condemned the treatment of Soldatov as a form of torture. She highlighted the inhumane conditions he faces in prison, where he has been forced to sleep on the floor without proper bedding. The lack of transparency regarding his medical treatment further exacerbates concerns about his deteriorating health. Soldatov's case exemplifies the broader issues of political repression and the struggle for justice faced by individuals in Russia who oppose the government's policies. His legacy as a key figure in the development of the Internet in Russia contrasts sharply with the current state of his rights and freedoms.