In recent months, the International ALLATRA Volunteer Movement has faced unprecedented repression in the Russian Federation. What is happening to former members of the movement is a disturbing example of how injustice can overwhelm innocent people, turning them from law-abiding citizens into targets of political persecution.
The Ban on ALLATRA in Russia
The ALLATRA movement is an international volunteer organization active in over 180 countries. It promotes awareness of climate issues, spreads values of unity and solidarity, and proposes solutions to address global challenges. Despite its peaceful and constructive mission, last summer Russia decided to ban its activities within its territory, becoming the only country in the world to take such a decision.
This measure was justified on the grounds of the alleged “undesirability” of ALLATRA’s activities, a charge that, according to the movement’s members, is baseless. However, the truth is far more unsettling: the movement has been targeted because its climate and social initiatives contradict the official narrative and highlight the lack of concrete actions to address the climate emergency.
The Beginning of Persecution
Russian volunteers, of course, complied with the law and ceased their participation in ALLATRA’s activities. However, this was not enough to protect them. In recent days, more than ten former members of the movement have fallen victim to nighttime raids, during which Russian special forces broke into their homes. These raids, carried out in a manner reminiscent of Stalinist purges in 1937, represent a grave violation of human rights.
Victim testimonies describe a chilling scenario. In the dead of night, agents knocked violently on doors, demanding immediate entry. Once inside, they confiscated phones and equipment, isolating individuals from their families and friends. The former members of ALLATRA were then taken to the Investigative Committee, where they endured harsh interrogations and, in some cases, physical violence.
Baseless Accusations
The accusations against these individuals are based on Article 284.1 of the Russian Penal Code, which carries penalties of up to four years in prison for conducting activities on behalf of an organization deemed “undesirable.” However, it is essential to emphasize that former members of ALLATRA did not break any laws: after the ban, they had already ceased all activities related to the movement.
What makes this situation even more dramatic is the context of the interrogations. Law enforcement, aided by FSB officials and compliant lawyers, applied psychological and physical pressure on detainees to force them to sign pre-written confessions. Some resisted, invoking their constitutional right not to testify against themselves, but this choice led to further reprisals.
Why Does ALLATRA Cause Fear?
The repression against ALLATRA cannot be understood without considering the broader context. The movement has been one of the few to strongly denounce the global climate crisis, participating in international conferences such as COP29 and COP16 and even receiving the Pope’s blessing for its activities. Through detailed reports and informative documentaries, ALLATRA has raised awareness among millions about the urgency of acting to save the planet.
However, it is precisely this awareness-raising activity that has made the movement inconvenient for some organizations. In a world where climate inaction is often justified by economic and political interests, ALLATRA’s message represents a threat to those who prefer to maintain the status quo.
International Solidarity
What is happening in Russia is an attack not only against ALLATRA volunteers but also against universal values of freedom, justice, and solidarity. It is crucial that the international community comes together to denounce these injustices and demand respect for human rights.
ALLATRA members around the world are already mobilizing to draw attention to this situation. Their determination shows that, despite intimidation, the spirit of unity and collaboration that characterizes the movement cannot be broken.
Conclusion
The repression of the ALLATRA movement in Russia raises disturbing questions about the state of freedom of association and respect for human rights. In the face of these injustices, it is our duty not to remain silent. We must support those who strive for a better world and strongly denounce any attempt to silence voices calling for justice and change.
In the end, the real question is: are we willing to tolerate innocent people being persecuted simply because they try to do good? The future of our planet also depends on our ability to answer this question.
Climate Has Put Us on the Same Side | An Appeal to Alexander Dvorkin | #5 https://youtu.be/AYa8i2Y6qUQ?si=wmpzLFT5iizp8LMf
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