‘I’ve dreamed of an avocado for two years,’ says the activist serving the longest sentence in Russia’s case against a banned youth movement

In a recent ruling, Anna Arkhipova, a 28-year-old activist from Novosibirsk, became the subject of Russia's longest prison sentence in their case against a banned youth movement. Anna had previously left the movement known as Vesna before it was labeled as "extremist" by the Russian government in 2022. Despite leaving the organization, she found herself serving the longest sentence among the six defendants who received sentences ranging from six to 12 years.

Anna's mother, Anastasia Arkhipova, has been taking antidepressants since April 12, 2026, due to the emotional turmoil she has experienced since her daughter's arrest. She explained that her daughter woke up at night feeling like she was in a different reality, which triggered her need for medication. Anastasia also revealed that she had been taking care of Anna in her pretrial detention center and continued to do so in St. Petersburg's more restrictive facility.

Elena Krut, Anna's friend and a human rights activist, shared that Anna had instilled in her a newfound faith in people and love for others after their meeting during the trial. Elena emphasized that everyone, including police officers and contract soldiers, were just human beings, struggling with life circumstances.

Anna herself expressed her love for avocados, noting that they had become a symbol of forbidden joy for her during her incarceration. She also shared her determination to make the world a better place after her release, specifically focusing on supporting female prisoners who face harsher conditions. Anna remains hopeful that her story will conclude before the end of her sentence.