Arseny Turbin

Arseny Turbin (, born 19 August 2008) is a Russian teenager and political activist. He became internationally known in 2024 after being sentenced to five years in a juvenile correctional colony in Russia on charges of "participating in a terrorist organization." He is widely regarded by human rights groups and media as one of the youngest political prisoners in modern Russia.

Early life Turbin was born in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to a Russian mother and Emirati father. He was raised in Livny, Oryol Oblast, Russia. He was an academically successful student at the Bulhakov Lyceum and aspired to attend MGIMO University. Reports suggest he was bullied for his mixed heritage.

Arrest and prosecution On 29 August 2023, Turbin’s home was raided by the FSB, and he was detained on 5 September 2023. In October 2024, he was placed in solitary confinement after a cell dispute and later transferred to a juvenile colony in Perm Krai. They claimed this was an attempt by the Russian authorities to bring a larger sentence, but that it failed and the prison began working on a new case.

On 21 February 2026, a support group advocating for Turbin reported that he was transferred to pre-trial detention, indicating a new criminal case.

Human rights designation The human rights organization Memorial recognized Turbin as a political prisoner.