The Amnesty International 2023 report on Russia highlights severe human rights challenges. It details the Russian government's escalated repression against dissent, especially following its aggression against Ukraine. Peaceful protests were forcibly dispersed, leading to the prosecution of dissenters. The government introduced restrictive legislation, limiting the actions of NGOs and civil society activists. Torture and ill-treatment in detention centers remained rampant, while Jehovah's Witnesses faced continued prosecutions. The report also points to ongoing enforced disappearances in Chechnya and violations of fair trial standards. Additionally, conscientious objectors were denied alternative civilian service, and new laws further discriminated against LGBTI individuals.
In the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, hundreds of thousands of Russians fled the country amid partial mobilization, which saw men sent to the frontline without adequate training. The Russian state faced international isolation and economic sanctions, leading to an increased poverty rate. Russia's withdrawal from the Council of Europe and the UN Human Rights Council further diminished its commitment to human rights standards.
The report underscores the government's stringent control over freedom of expression and assembly, with widespread arrests of protestors and journalists. The authorities adopted new laws penalizing the "discreditation" of the Russian armed forces, resulting in numerous criminal and administrative cases. Several high-profile cases of arrests and sentencing, such as the case of artist Aleksandra Skochilenko and opposition politician Ilya Yashin, are highlighted.
Media freedom faced significant threats, with the closure of independent media outlets and the blocking of social media platforms. The government also introduced amendments to the Criminal Code, imposing penalties for any "confidential cooperation" with international or foreign organizations.
The clampdown on civil society was evident through the designation of additional "foreign agents" and "undesirable organizations". The report notes the continued repression of activists and human rights defenders through various legal and extralegal means.
Religious freedom was also compromised, as highlighted by the continued harassment of Jehovah’s Witnesses despite rulings by the European Court of Human Rights against Russia's actions. The prevalence of torture and ill-treatment in detention, particularly against political dissidents like Aleksei Navalny, remains a significant concern.
Furthermore, the report addresses the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in Chechnya, the violation of fair trial standards, and the concerning trend of impunity for human rights violations. It also sheds light on the plight of conscientious objectors, LGBTI rights, and the situation of refugees and migrants from Ukraine.