Arseny Turbin has been imprisoned since age 15. This week he turned 18

Arseny Turbin has been imprisoned since age 15. This week he turned 18

In June 2024, Arseny was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment — the Russian authorities are persecuting the teenager for his political views. And in February 2026, a new case was opened against him — in that case, Arseny faces from 3 to 8 years.

For Arseny’s coming of age, Animators Against War together with «Mediazona» released a three-minute animated film about him. Watch it!

▶️ Who Arseny Turbin is

Arseny grew up in Oryol Oblast. He loves physics and economics, supports CSKA and Real Madrid, and is also interested in politics. According to Arseny’s mother, he always reacted sharply to injustice and told only the truth — because of this, he was bullied by teachers and classmates.

At the same time, Arseny studied well: he took part in academic competitions, learned investing, and dreamed of entering MGIMO to study political science.

▶️ Criminal prosecution

In August 2023, when Arseny was 14, his home was searched — because of correspondence with alleged representatives of the Freedom of Russia Legion (a unit that takes part in the war in Ukraine on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine).

Later, in November of the same year, Arseny was added to the Rosfinmonitoring list as a “terrorist” — he became the youngest person on that list. In February 2024, they wanted to close the case, but it was transferred to another investigator. On June 20, 2024, the court sentenced Arseny to 5 years in a juvenile correctional colony. Memorial recognized Arseny as a political prisoner.

In detention, Arseny was repeatedly subjected to pressure. Twice he ended up in a punishment cell, and he was also beaten by a cellmate. In February 2026, it became known that a new criminal case had been opened against Arseny: under the article on participation in mass riots.

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Political prisoner Arseny Turbin turns 18. An animated film by the Animators Against War collective

On August 19, Arseny Turbin turns 18. On this day, Animators Against War together with «Mediazona» are releasing a three-minute animated film about the teenager whom the Russian authorities are persecuting for his political views.

Arseny was only 15 when…