63-year-old Russian political prisoner Alexei Gorinov “may not survive” after being diagnosed with TB and held in cold cell, says lawyer

Russian political prisoner Alexei Gorinov, who was recently transferred to a pre-trial detention center in Novosibirsk, has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, according to his lawyer Katerina Tertukhina, who spoke to the independent publication Novaya Gazeta. A chest X-ray was performed on Gorinov’s first day in custody at the facility in Novosibirsk after a paramedic called for an ambulance due to his deteriorating condition.

“They’re treating Gorinov well [at the Novosibirsk detention center], but there’s nothing to treat [the illness] with. He was given medications and placed on a special diet — extra butter, milk, and zapekanka. We are now requesting to postpone his transfer [to the penal colony]. He’s missing part of a lung, and tuberculosis poses an even greater threat. He may simply not survive it,” Tertukhina said.

Despite assurances from prison officials that Gorinov would be moved to a heated cell, he remains alone in a cold one, Tertukhina added.

Gorinov, 63, had earlier reported a serious decline in health during his transfer from Vladimir to Novosibirsk. He suspected the cause was pneumonia, as he detailed in a letter published on May 15. His support group reminded the public that he already had part of his lung removed, meaning even a minor respiratory illness could be life-threatening.

Alexei Gorinov is a former Moscow municipal deputy. In April 2022, during a meeting of the Krasnoselsky District Council, he publicly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a war rather than a “special military operation.” Prosecutors used his phrase “children are dying every day” as the basis for charging him under a law against “discrediting” the country’s armed forces — a piece of legislation that has effectively been used to silence and persecute those who express opposition to the invasion.

In July 2022, Gorinov was sentenced to seven years in a “general regime” penal colony. The term was later reduced by one month.

In November 2024, he received an additional three-year sentence for “justifying terrorism.” The new charges were reportedly based on conversations Gorinov had with cellmates about the explosion on the Crimean Bridge and the actions of Ukraine’s Azov Regiment. Taking both sentences into account, the court handed him five years in a strict-regime (high security) penal colony.

In Russia’s penal system, a “general regime” colony is used for first-time offenders and has relatively milder conditions, while a “strict regime” colony has tougher restrictions and is reserved for more serious or repeat offenses.

Gorinov has been recognized as a political prisoner by the Russian Nobel Peace Prize-winning NGO Memorial.