Russian anti-terror convictions surge to record highs in 2026
Russian courts convicted at least 1,234 people under anti-terrorism legislation in the first half of 2026, marking a sharp escalation in judicial prosecutions compared to the same period last year.
According to a joint investigation by First Department and Parubets Analytics, courts issued 1,145 sentences in six months—a 58% increase year-on-year. Russian judges averaged roughly ten sentences per day, exceeding the total number of convictions recorded during the entirety of 2024.
Shift from violent acts to online speech
The data reveals a dramatic shift away from prosecuting actual violent threats. Charges involving the preparation or execution of terrorist acts fell by nearly half, dropping from 38.3% to 20.6%, with total individuals charged under these offenses declining from 292 to 187.
Instead, the majority of convictions relied on laws penalizing public calls to terrorism, justification of terrorism, or propaganda. A total of 487 people were convicted under these provisions, with 357 individuals prosecuted solely for speech offenses without any allegations of violent activity.
Political persecution and Ukrainian detainees
Human rights researchers at Memorial estimate that at least 427 individuals—representing 35% of all cases—were convicted in proceedings carrying clear indicators of political persecution. Experts stress this estimate is conservative, as Russian courts conceal the names of nearly two-thirds of defendants.
Among those sentenced were at least 243 Ukrainian citizens. This group includes prisoners of war from the Azov and Aidar units, as well as civilians detained in occupied territories whom Russian investigators accused of collaborating with Ukraine.
Harsh penalties and record highs
The vast majority of convicts are men, accounting for 91.6% of defendants. Ages ranged from a 16-year-old minor to a 71-year-old individual at the time of sentencing.
Courts overwhelmingly handed down custodial sentences, with an average prison term of 13 years and maximum cumulative sentences reaching up to 29 years in prison.
Researchers conclude that 2026 is on track to set an all-time record for anti-terrorism convictions in modern Russian history. For defendants facing a single terror-related charge, 53.8% were convicted under Article 205.2 strictly for online posts, comments, or public statements.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
