A Russian activist has died in jail days after describing being tortured and expressing worry for his life, in accordance with his lawyer, which is believed to be the primary recognized demise in custody of a Russian opponent of the struggle in Ukraine.

Anatoly Berezikov, 40, died a few month after he was detained by the police in his residence within the southern metropolis of Rostov-on-Don and charged with misdemeanors, which he denied. His lawyer, Irina Gak, stated he was recognized to have put up posters across the metropolis selling the antiwar initiative known as “I Want to Live,” which helps Russian servicemen in Ukraine to give up, and that it had made him a goal.

The Rostov area police informed native news media that Mr. Berezikov was discovered with out indicators of life in his cell on Wednesday, an account that attempted to painting his demise as a suicide. The police declined to supply further particulars when contacted by The New York Times, and no different official has commented on Mr. Berezikov’s demise.

Mr. Berezikov is believed to be the primary individual in Russia to die in police custody after being jailed for opposing the invasion of Ukraine. Tens of hundreds of Russians have been detained because the begin of the invasion underneath draconian legal guidelines that criminalize criticism of the struggle however most had been launched quickly after.

Among about 600 Russians who’ve been charged with felony offenses associated to opposition to the struggle, 37 have described being tortured, in accordance with Dasha Korolenko, a lawyer with the nation’s human rights advocacy group, OVD-Info, which collects info on every case.

Ms. Gak, the lawyer, said that a day before his death Mr. Berezikov had informed her that he had damaged ribs and had exhibited marks on his physique that he stated had been from a stun.

“He said that he was being threatened, that he feared for his life,” Ms. Gak stated in a video posted on social media by OVD-Info on Thursday. Ms. Gak didn’t instantly reply to requests for an interview.

Another native opposition activist, Tatyana Sporysheva, said that she spoke to Mr. Berezikov in courtroom simply days earlier than his demise and that he had described going through threats and intimidation. She stated Mr. Berezikov had informed her “I’m afraid that they will kill me.”

Ms. Sporysheva described Mr. Berezikov as a widely known member of his neighborhood who did issues like experience his bike in shorts and a Santa hat in freezing winter climate to cheer up fellow residents.

Rostov-on-Don is close to the Azov Sea and a significant army logistics hub for Russia’s struggle effort.

After his detention, Mr. Berezikov was charged with a number of minor offenses, together with hooliganism, permitting the authorities to maintain him in custody. His newest 15-day sentence was supposed to finish on Thursday, however Ms. Sporysheva stated he had predicted at his sentencing that he wouldn’t survive that lengthy, telling her “I won’t live to June 15.”

Alina Lobzina contributed reporting.