At the beginning of 2024, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the American Anarchist Black Cross Federation to its list of “undesirable organizations.” At that time, Anarchist Black Cross Moscow (ABC Moscow) publicly stated that it had no organizational ties to the American federation: ABC groups worldwide are autonomous, and Russian groups have never been part of the American federation.
However, in 2025, it became clear that the Russian authorities consider not only the American federation to be “undesirable” — they are targeting all ABC groups.
The Pretext: A Book by Belarusian Anarchist Igor Olinevich
In December 2024, the book “I’m Going to Magadan” by Belarusian anarchist Igor Olinevich was purchased in sting operations at the “Falanster” bookstore in Moscow and “Podpisnye Izdaniya” in St. Petersburg. In the spring of 2025, both stores were prosecuted (source) under the article about participation in the activities of an “undesirable organization.” The basis for the charges? A postscript in the book, signed by the ABC-Belarus collective.
The book itself was published by the Russian cooperative Radical Theory and Practice, which has no affiliation with the American ABC federation — but that didn’t matter to the authorities.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
As of 2025, even reposting, donating to, or publishing content featuring ABC symbols or affiliations can be grounds for prosecution in Russia.
This can lead to both administrative and criminal charges, including:
- Misdemeanor: Participation in the activity of an “undesirable organization” (under administrative law).
- Felony (under criminal law):
- Up to 4 years in prison for participating,
- Up to 5 years for financing,
- Up to 6 years for organizing such activities.
Actions that can lead to persecution in Russia:
– Participating in ABC group activities
– Reposting or publicly mentioning ABC
– Sending donations to ABC
– Distributing publications associated with ABC (including Olinevich’s book)
Even historical continuity from anarchists in the Russian Empire is now a reason for persecution. The Anarchist Black Cross (ABC) was founded in Russia in 1906, originally as the Anarchist Red Cross, later renamed. Since then, anarchists have supported political prisoners — and they will continue to do so, regardless of repression.
ABC Moscow Today
All members of ABC-Moscow have left the territory of the Russian Federation. We continue to assist those whom the Russian authorities persecute for their anarchist and anti-fascist beliefs: with evacuation, adaptation to life abroad, legal, and material support.
Support Our Work (If You Are Outside Russia):
- PayPal: abc-msk@riseup.net
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Contact Us: abc-msk@riseup.net
Solidarity is our weapon!
Source: Avtonom