According to the Telegram channel "Ostorozhno, novosti" (Caution, News), within the criminal case on state treason, law enforcement agencies mistakenly identified the founder of the "Revolt Center," Pavel Andreev, as his full namesake from Ulyanovsk.
According to the case materials, the case concerns work in the organization "Platform for Civil, Anti-War, and Humanitarian Initiatives," which, according to the investigation, interacts with European authorities and is engaged in forming a "society of deserters in Armenia." However, the founder of the "Revolt Center" is not actually involved in this activity—the charges pertain to another person, a 33-year-old former public relations specialist from Ulyanovsk who shares the same first and last name. This PR specialist left Russia after the start of the war in Ukraine and publicly spoke about his participation in the work of the "Platform."
According to "Ostorozhno, novosti," despite the clear confusion regarding the individuals involved, the proceedings in the case have not been terminated. The founder of the "Revolt Center" stated in a conversation with journalists that he had no connection to the activities of the "Platform" and characterized the charges as absurd.
On the morning of July 8, security forces conducted searches in the premises of the "Revolt Center" and at the registration addresses of its employees. These actions are related to the criminal case on state treason (Article 275 of the Russian Criminal Code), initiated against one of the founders of the space, as well as the publication "7x7," Pavel Andreev, who left Russia after the start of military actions in Ukraine.
After the searches were completed, the center was sealed, and its work was suspended. Subsequently, unknown individuals painted "Z" symbols on the windows of the "Revolt Center" and broke some of the glass. Supporters of the war with Ukraine initiated a proposal to designate the venue as a "foreign agent," which was supported by the State Council of the Komi Republic.
The "Revolt Center," named after the Soviet dissident Revolt Pimenov, is a cultural space that opened in the summer of 2019 on the outskirts of Syktyvkar in a former factory canteen building. It quickly became a significant venue for creative youth, hosting feminist festivals, lectures, and discussions on relevant political topics.