"Even when the war began, he continued to fight for our city." Chelyabinsk environmental activist Vladimir Kazantsev died in prison.
One of the subscribers "NotMoscow" knew him personally and was with him in the movement against the construction of the Tominsky mining and processing plant.
Together we held pickets and other events. He defended citizens' interests in court and established himself as a highly qualified specialist. His contribution to protecting the environmental rights of the population is invaluable. — the subscriber explained.
According to him, another important quality Vladimir Kazantsev what was there was that he was not afraid.
"Even when the war began, he continued to fight for our city, didn't leave, and remained a patriot. For which he ended up in the dock."
Chelyabinsk activist Valentina Volkova notes On his Telegram channel, Kazantsev went down in city history as "the hero who defended our city forest from development." He also fought against illegal dumping and the deforestation of public gardens.
Chelyabinsk urbanist Mikhail Popov call Vladimir Kazantsev "one of those who was not afraid to speak the truth and speak out against those who are turning our cities into concrete jungles and stealing our future."
All activists emphasize that Kazantsev ended up in prison on fabricated charges: in October 2022, he was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to four years in prison. The prosecution alleged that the environmental activist allegedly took money from his clients to negotiate with judges to rule in their favor.
«If you interfere with profits from natural resources and violate laws, you'll be prosecuted. An honest person is turned into a criminal." — writes urbanist Popov.
He notes that even after the verdict, Kazantsev did not break down, remained true to his ideals and continued to fight.
The wife of a deceased environmental activist сообщаетthat in the colony his heart began to fail.
Kazantsev was 52 years old. Unlock fundraising to help the family.