Maxim Asriyan

After graduating from St. Petersburg State University Medical College, Kochkin gained experience working in the intensive care units of the First Medical University. During the pandemic, he also served in the high-risk 'red zone' of Mechnikov Northwestern State Medical University. On 7 October 2022, was detained at Pulkovo airport while trying to fly to Sochi. Pleaded guilty before his lawyer was allowed in under an agreement. On 10 October, the court [sent](https://ovd.news/express-news/2022/10/10/sud-v-peterburge-arestoval-podozrevaemogo-v-popytke-podzhoga-voennogo) Asriyan into custody. In the man's smartphone, according to the prosecution, they found "instructions for undermining and destroying railway infrastructure," while in his laptop they found a completed application form to join the Freedom of Russia Legion and links to Telegram accounts "related to the illegal sale of military weapons." Lawyer Vera Ivanova, representing Asriyan's interests, specified that he had indeed filled out the form to provide medical assistance to civilians injured during the war, but decided not to send it when he "learnt about the sources of funding for the legion". Asriyan has severe chronic illnesses that prevented him from being taken into custody, she said. Later, the young man was also charged with high treason: apparently, this is how the attempt to join the legion was qualified. On 18 January 2024, Asriyan was sentenced to eight years in a strict regime colony.