Purpose
One-time legal support for Maxim — a Russian conscientious objector who openly refused militarization and condemned the war. Our goal is to close existing legal debts so Maxim’s protection can continue without interruption.
Who he is
Maxim is a Russian conscientious objector who rejected military participation on ethical grounds. In Lithuania he built a peaceful civilian life: he supported other refugees, volunteered, and took part in community projects. He has no criminal record and no history of violence.
What went wrong
Despite the facts above, Lithuania’s State Security Department labeled Maxim a “national security threat.” That label was not based on any real wrongdoing — it relied on vague, speculative criteria (e.g., past military education/services decades ago) and ignored his publicly documented anti-war stance. Once labeled, he stopped being treated as a person and became an entry in a security file. Migration authorities leaned on the label to refuse him protection, without a real, individual assessment.
Why this matters
- Risk on return: If deported to Russia, Maxim faces forced mobilization and criminal prosecution for refusal, with a real risk of detention, torture, or inhuman treatment.
- Chilling effect: Cases like Maxim’s punish open anti-war positions and discourage others from refusing militarization.
- Due process: Security labels must not replace evidence. Only a fair, individualized procedure protects fundamental rights.
Procedural status
Maxim’s case has already passed through:
- Lithuanian migration procedures
- Administrative courts
- The Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania
He is now stuck with legal debts that block the next steps. If the bill is not settled, lawyers cannot file new actions or respond to adverse decisions. This is not a question of law alone — it is a question of capacity to act in time.
What your donation does
We will immediately close the outstanding invoices so counsel can keep working (appeals, filings, emergency motions, evidence gathering, translations). Without this, Maxim loses legal protection simply because the work cannot be paid.
Goal & budget (one-time)
Goal: €2,400 — one-time legal support
Total needed now €2,400
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| European Court of Human Rights filing (preparation & submission) | €1200 |
| UN Human Rights Committee (preparation & submission) | €1200 |
If we raise more
- Reserve for future filings/appeals and urgent procedural steps
- Additional certified translations and expert opinions if required
- Emergency costs linked to safe housing during critical hearings
Transparency
- All funds from this page go exclusively to the items listed above for Maxim’s case.
- We will post short updates when invoices are paid and when new filings are submitted.
Thank you
Your support keeps a conscientious objector safe and heard — and pushes back against the practice of replacing evidence with labels.
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