5 AUGUST 2026
STOP THE TORTURE AND MURDER OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN UKRAINE!
As the Anti-Imperialist Front, we share and support the urgent call issued by the Association for the Defence of Political Prisoners and Human Rights, founded by the Ukrainian anti-fascist communists Mikhail and Alexander Kononovich.
Brothers Mikhail and Alexander Kononovich, who are currently held under house arrest in Kyiv under electronic monitoring, have made serious allegations regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Ukraine under the fascist regime of Zelensky, a regime backed by US-EU-NATO imperialism.
Specifically, in their call they highlight the conditions at Vinnytsia Colony No. 86, which they state has effectively been converted into a detention camp for political prisoners and anti-fascists.
The situation of political prisoners in Ukraine is extremely critical. They are facing torture, violations of their rights and grave injustice. According to reports and statements issued by the Association, since the first transfers in December 2025, the cells have lacked basic utilities, including electricity, heating and hot water, throughout the winter months.
The Association further reports systematic abuse by the fascist regime against political prisoners, who have allegedly been subjected to repeated physical beatings, psychological torment and other forms of ill-treatment.
The Association has documented specific incidents highlighting the extreme dangers faced by political prisoners:
Andrei Anatolyevich Gimgin: A political prisoner suffering from cancer and diabetes, who died in the prison infirmary after one and a half months, reportedly following severe beatings and forced labour without receiving the medication he required.
28 January 2026 incident: Eight political prisoners — Dzyuba, Kotenko, Sozonov, Shapran, Pyatachenko, Batarev, Kigilchenko and Kelyukin — were reportedly subjected to severe beatings by prison guards after refusing to kneel during the national anthem and for minor procedural delays.
Vitaliy Kigilchenko: Reportedly subjected to severe physical assault.
Samir Bedrashko: Suffered serious injuries, including a concussion, and was subjected to further physical abuse after being unable to work. Despairing over his treatment, he attempted to harm himself. His current condition and whereabouts remain unknown.
Yarodar Vitlinets: Placed in solitary confinement after making public statements exposing the abuse of political prisoners.
These acts of torture form part of the same murderous policies pursued by US-EU-NATO imperialism and the Nazi regime of Zelensky.
We call upon all people to raise their voices in support of the political prisoners of Ukraine.
CALL TO ACTION: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY – 5 AUGUST 2026
In response to the worsening conditions and severe repression within the prison, 15 political prisoners in Vinnytsia Colony No. 86, led by Alexander Melnyk, together with the Association for the Defence of Political Prisoners and Human Rights, have declared a One-Day International Solidarity Hunger Strike on 5 August 2026.
As the Anti-Imperialist Front, we call upon all anti-imperialists, anti-fascists, communists, trade unionists, collectives and organisations throughout the world to stand in active solidarity with the political prisoners in Ukraine by taking the following actions on 5 August 2026:
- Join the hunger strike. Participate in the one-day solidarity hunger strike alongside the political prisoners in Vinnytsia Colony No. 86 and internationalist comrades.
- Organise rallies and demonstrations outside Ukrainian embassies and consulates, or contact them while displaying the slogan:
“STOP THE TORTURE AND MURDER OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN UKRAINE!”
- Take photographs or record videos holding posters expressing solidarity with the political prisoners in Ukraine, and send them to the campaign organisers to ensure international visibility.
Only organised resistance and international solidarity can stop repression and defend the rights of political prisoners.
The struggle of the political prisoners in Ukraine is the common struggle of all political prisoners throughout the world who continue to resist. From Turkey and the resistance against the S-R-Y pit-type isolation prisons, to the resistance of Palestinian prisoners in Zionist prisons, and from there to the Basque Country, Ireland, Greece, Germany and the rest of the world, the struggle for the liberation of the political prisoners in Ukraine is part of the struggle against US-EU-NATO imperialism and fascism.
INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY IS THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE!
STOP THE TORTURE AND MURDER OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN UKRAINE!
FREEDOM FOR ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!
RESISTANCE WILL BE VICTORIOUS!
LET US UNITE, FIGHT AND WIN AGAINST IMPERIALISM AND FASCISM!
ANTI-IMPERIALIST FRONT
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