Ivan Apostolevsky, a deputy of the Leningrad Region Legislative Assembly from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF), has been arrested for seven days by the Sosnovy Bor City Court. The ruling came after a nearly three-hour session, with a support group present in the courtroom.

Apostolevsky is accused of publicly displaying the symbols of extremist organizations. The charge stems from actions making such symbols accessible to perception, with authorities emphasizing the ongoing nature of the alleged offense.

The day before the court hearing, officers from Center “E” detained Apostolevsky. The detention is linked to an administrative article concerning the public display of extremist symbols. The specific reason cited was a post referencing Alexei Navalny, who is included on Rosfinmonitoring’s list of terrorists and extremists.

Apostolevsky himself has stated the case concerns a post from 2017, adding that he doesn’t post anything related to extremism or Navalny. He believes the charges are connected to the pre-election campaign for governor.