Larisa Baragunova

Larisa Baragunova is the head of the branch of the Trade Union "SSR Union," an organization in Tyrnyauz that she claims to have established in 2019 to safeguard the rights of citizens. On 7 March 2023, police officers visited her flat to conduct operational-search activities. During this visit, she allegedly struck one of the officers on the leg with an iron door, resulting in the officer seeking medical assistance. On 17 March 2023, the Elbrus District Court of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic remanded her in custody in connection with a case under Article 318 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the use of violence against a police officer. She is currently being held in a pre-trial detention centre in Nalchik. On 24 April 2023, the case was brought to court for consideration on its merits. Baragunova has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and has a daughter with a Group 1 disability who requires constant care. During one of the court sessions, Baragunova's neighbor, who was present during the search activities that led to the case, testified that she had not heard any screams or complaints from the injured officer. On 2 September 2024, Baragunova was sentenced to three years in a general regime penal colony.