Our bot is still working, and we are still here for you! Here’s what you should know if you need our help

Our bot is still working, and we are still here for you! Here’s what you should know if you need our help

We are continuing to work and help you, and that remains unchanged despite the “extremist” designation. But the issues we can help with, as well as the precautions you should take, are changing.

▶️ In what situations you can contact us

You are being persecuted for political reasons. Because of the “extremist” designation, we no longer work directly with lawyers and will not be able to arrange legal assistance for you. But we will help you understand the situation and advise you where to turn.

You have questions about repression. For example, about how to assess your own risks, how particular laws work, what you may face in a specific situation, and how best to act. Come to us and we will provide legal advice.

You have questions about interacting with us. We understand that after OVD-Info was declared an “extremist” organization, you may have questions and concerns. You can discuss them with us in the bot or by email.

▶️ How to contact us

Telegram bot: @OvdInfoBot

Email: info@ovdinfo.org

Both channels operate every day. Real people answer your questions: operators and lawyers.

▶️ How to protect yourself when contacting OVD-Info

We do not know of any cases where people were persecuted solely for this kind of correspondence and for receiving consultations. But at the same time, we cannot be absolutely certain that such persecution is impossible. Therefore, if you are in Russia, we advise you to take additional precautions:

🟠 use a device that has never been in the hands of law enforcement;

🟠 check the “Devices” section in Telegram and make sure you do not have any extra active sessions;

🟠 do not forward messages from the bot and do not tell others about your interaction with us. If you need to share advice, it is better to retell it in your own words or copy the text without mentioning the source;

🟠 for email correspondence, use an account from a non-Russian email service, for example Gmail or Proton;

🟠 after receiving a consultation, delete the correspondence. If you wish, you can also block the bot. Before doing so, save a link to it in case you need help again. Also keep in mind that when you write to us, we will additionally send you instructions on security and deleting the correspondence.

❗️ The Russian authorities declared OVD-Info an extremist organization and banned our work because they do not want you to know about repression. Because of this repressive designation, publicly sharing our materials is unsafe. But you can still read us! Subscribe to OVD-Info, to know how to protect yourself.