I’d Round Up Scum Like That from All Across Russia and Deport Them”: What It Is Like to Endure Revolving-Door Arrests in Russia

“I’d Round Up Scum Like That from All Across Russia and Deport Them”: What It Is Like to Endure Revolving-Door Arrests in Russia

Elena Morgunova is the wife of artist Pavel Krisevich, who has faced persecution in Russia. She and her husband moved to France in June 2026. In August, Elena traveled to Russia to visit her family and was subjected to revolving-door arrests.

The cards contain Elena’s account of her harrowing experience. Here is her advice on what to do if you suddenly find yourself at risk of ending up in a similar situation:

➡️ Before traveling to Russia, you can consult human rights advocates. They will help assess your situation.

➡️ If police officers approach you, ask what your legal status is. If you are not being detained, you have the right to refuse to hand over your phone and to call your loved ones.

➡️ Record every circumstance of your detention in the official report: the time, the place, and the denial of access to a lawyer. The court will primarily rely on the documents, not on what you say at the hearing.

➡️ During questioning by law enforcement officers, answer calmly and firmly. They will try to provoke an emotional reaction; do not give in.

➡️ Watch every word you say; it will be used against you or someone else. Say as little as possible so that you do not accidentally say something they can latch on to.

➡️ Do not believe their insults, and remember that there is no universal formula for how to act: when to invoke Article 51 or when to say something harmless that is already publicly known. Only you can see the situation: if something directly threatens your life, your main task is to protect yourself.

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