Basyrov Artyom Arturovich

Artem Basirov, a 21-year-old local resident, was detained in Kemerovo on August 11, 2022. He was accused of "preparing to participate in an illegal armed formation." According to the investigation, Basirov intended to join the "Legion of Freedom of Russia," being "an adherent of right-wing radical ideas of Russian nationalism." He allegedly contacted the administrator of the Legion's Telegram channel, filled out a questionnaire, and agreed to obtain a passport, travel to Georgia, and there apply to the Ukrainian embassy for further instructions. However, "for reasons beyond his control," he was unable to complete the task. On August 11, 2022, the court placed him in a pre-trial detention center. On December 12, 2022, the Zavodskoy District Court of Kemerovo found Artem Basirov guilty and sentenced him to 3.5 years of imprisonment in a strict regime colony. The sentence was not appealed and entered into legal force. In July 2025, it became known that a second criminal case had been opened against Artem Basirov, who was serving his sentence. He was accused of calling for terrorism, aiding terrorist activities, and participating in the activities of a terrorist organization. Details of the charges are unknown. On August 6, 2025, Judge Sergei Burmistrov of the 2nd Eastern Military District Court found Artem Basirov guilty and sentenced him to 12 years and 3 months in a strict regime with the first 2 years to be served in prison. The sentence was not appealed and entered into legal force.