Released from prison

Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.

• On release day, make sure you get your release certificate, passport, money from your prison account and medical records. If administrative supervision was imposed, check the restrictions and reporting dates.
• After 'terrorism' and 'extremism' convictions supervision is common: reporting to police, night curfews, no travel without permission. Violations can lead to a new case (art. 314.1 CC).
• Many remain on the Rosfinmonitoring list: banks block transactions; the law allows receiving wages and pensions and spending up to 10,000 roubles a month.
• Since 2025 post-release probation exists: on a written request to the colony or probation office you can get help with documents, housing, work and medical care.
• If you're thinking of leaving: a conviction, supervision or the list can block exit — get advice before heading for the border. Solidarity Zone, Memorial and First Department help; psychologists: First Line.

Designations of organisations in this guide: Memorial Human Rights Defence Centre (extremist, on Rosfinmonitoring list); Memorial Political Prisoners Support (extremist, on Rosfinmonitoring list). Contacting them carries a risk: do not write from a phone that may be seized, and do not repost their materials.

current as of September 25. More: First Department: life after prison — probation (foreign agent); First Department: the list of 'terrorists and extremists' (foreign agent)