Russian court jails Ufa Marxist circle members over plot to seize power

The Central District Military Court in Yekaterinburg has handed down prison sentences ranging from 16 to 22 years to five members of a Marxist circle in Ufa, following convictions on charges of terrorism and plotting to overthrow the government.

The sentences are as follows: the founder of the Marxist circle, otolaryngologist Alexey Dmitriev, was sentenced to 20 years; veteran Pavel Matisov received 22 years; former member of Bashkortostan Kurultay (Parliament) Dmitry Chuvilin was given 20 years; a volunteer from the “Union of Volunteers” received 16 years; and retiree Yuri Yefimov was sentenced to 18 years, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Authorities allege that the defendants participated in Marxist circle activities and discussed plans to forcibly seize power in Russia and Bashkortostan, aiming to establish “Soviet authority” without elections. The plot reportedly included intentions to impose a communist regime and a Soviet-style constitution.

By Vafa Guliyeva