Dozens of Russians are reportedly undergoing involuntary psychiatric treatment due to their political beliefs, a practice that has been escalating during the conflict in Ukraine. This method, often associated with Soviet-era "punitive psychiatry," has been observed more frequently lately, although on a smaller scale than in the past.
Based on data analysis from various sources and interviews with legal experts, Reuters presents the case of two female activists sent for psychiatric evaluation after expressing dissenting views. These women, including Yekaterina Fatyanova, faced distressing and unnecessary procedures during their hospitalization.
Fatyanova, for example, was admitted to a Siberian hospital for allegedly discrediting the Russian military in an article, enduring invasive treatments before being discharged without any diagnosed mental health issues. She viewed her confinement as a punitive measure for her activism.
The Dutch researcher Robert van Voren highlighted a significant increase in similar cases since the conflict in Ukraine commenced, signaling a troubling pattern reminiscent of Soviet practices. The current use of involuntary psychiatric treatment for political purposes in Russia has raised concerns among human rights groups and experts, highlighting the erosion of democratic norms.
Even though this practice represents a fraction of overall political repressions, it is viewed as a severe form of control and intimidation against those critical of the government's actions. The stories of individuals like Fatyanova, Olga Suvorova, and Ingvar Gorlanov illustrate the ongoing challenges faced by dissenting voices in Russia, where compulsory psychiatric treatment is deployed as a tool of repression.