Mark Kislitsyn is a transgender man and human-rights defender from Moscow. In December 2023, he was sentenced to 12 years in a penal colony after donating around ten dollars to what he thought was a humanitarian fund supporting people affected by the war in Ukraine. Russian authorities accused him of “high treason.”
Since then, Mark has faced inhuman treatment – he’s been denied gender-affirming medical care, forced to wear women’s clothing, and regularly placed in punishment cells. Despite these harsh conditions, he remains resilient and hopeful, determined to keep his dignity and sense of purpose.
Mark’s bravery and compassion symbolise the struggle for freedom of expression and the rights of LGBTI+ people in Russia. He should be at home with his loved ones, not behind bars for an act of kindness.
You can help keep his spirit strong. Write a short message of hope and solidarity to Mark today.
Your words will be delivered through Amnesty’s support network and show him that people everywhere stand with him – that he is seen, valued and never alone.
Together, we can remind the Russian authorities that the world is watching and that compassion will always be stronger than repression.
