Evgeniy Mishchenko is a volunteer at the Nemtsov Bridge memorial; a religious activist who carried posters containing religious quotes or appeals at some rallies.
He was detained in Moscow on 11 September 2023. During his arrest, security forces beat him and broke his ribs. He was accused of taking part in the Legion of Freedom of Russia, which is recognised as a terrorist organisation.
On 13 September, the Babushkinsky court was supposed to decide on a preventive measure for Mishchenko, however, on account of the beatings, he was taken from the courtroom by ambulance to the hospital.
On 14 September 2023, he was brought back to court, which sent Mishchenko to a pre-trial detention centre until 4 November. On 2 November 2023, the Babushkin District Court of Moscow extended his detention until 8 December. On 5 February 2024, the term of custody was prolonged until 7 March 2024.
