On the fourth day of the new year, we continue to remember the heroes of 2023, those about whom we have told you at various times, those to whom you wrote the most words of support in the comments, whose words and deeds resonated in your hearts.

The hero of today's post is Dmitry Skurikhin - a resident of the Leningrad Region, father of five children, and an entrepreneur. Dmitry's civic stance is visible on his car, with the side of his white minivan reading 'Say No to Putin'. The phrase 'I do not recognize Putin as president' adorns his cap. And his store is a rural attraction, with a large pacifist symbol drawn on the roof and the names of bombed Ukrainian cities appearing on the walls. 'Sometimes people came just to look, to take pictures near the store,' Skurikhin said joyfully.

The first criminal case for 'discrediting the army' was launched against him back in September 2022, when Dmitry Skurikhin protested against the mobilization announced by Putin. But this did not stop him. On February 24, 2023, the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, he was photographed on his knees with a poster, asking for forgiveness from the Ukrainians. The next day he became the first defendant in a second criminal case under the same article. He was sent to a pre-trial detention center. They didn't let him see his family. On August 3, the Lomonosovsky District Court of the Leningrad Region sentenced the opposition activist to one and a half years in a general regime penal colony. The defense is attempting to appeal this verdict.

In 2024, we wish for Dmitry Skurikhin to maintain his spirit and return to his family as soon as possible. We also extend our wishes of great professional success to his lawyers. And to his wife, children, and all those who care, we wish patience and steadfast belief that good will triumph and justice will prevail.