Russian Activists Detained in Yaroslavl: Friend Pleads for Release

Two female activists, Olga Kirillova and Olga Arkhipova, were detained in Yaroslavl, Russia on June 6th, 2025, near a train station. They were planning to travel to Moscow to file complaints, according to a friend who posted a video online. The friend, who remains unnamed, alleges that the women are being held illegally by the TsPE (Center for Combating Extremism) and are being denied access to legal counsel. The video shows several images of the women and includes contact information for the prosecutor's office and the TsPE, urging viewers to intervene. A search is reportedly taking place at Kirillova's residence. The incident highlights concerns about the treatment of activists in Russia. The situation remains ongoing.