Law enforcers ban Russian activist from leaving Armenia

Mark Serov, an activist from the city of Kazan, who lives in Georgia, was detained at the Armenian-Georgian border. After that, he was released under the recognizance not to leave the place; he cannot leave Armenia; in Russia, he is wanted within a case of vandalism motivated by political hatred.

Mark Serov was detained at the Armenian-Georgian border on May 10. "He and his girlfriend went to Armenia from Tbilisi and since then he has not been able to leave back. Upon arrival in Armenia, Mark was detained right at the border, taken to the police station, after which he was given the recognizance not to leave," the Telegram channel "Batumi Russians" has reported.

While living in Georgia, Serov publicly condemned Russian authorities’ actions in Ukraine, volunteered in Ukrainian organizations and funds, and organized actions in Tbilisi. "For two weeks now, Mark has been forced to stay in Yerevan, look for housing and cover his living expenses. Mark is trying to find some temporary work, but so far he has failed to do so; and his funds are running out," the report has emphasizes.

The human rights organizations "Kovcheg” (Ark) and "Helsinki Citizens' Assembly" are providing Mark Serov with legal support in Armenia to appeal against his detention and cancel the travel ban, the report has added.

Earlier, media reported that Serov had been put on the wanted list in Russia. Thus, the “116.ru” outlet wrote that the card of Serov, who had left Russia, appeared on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). It indicated that he was wanted under a criminal article. In April 2023, Serov’s home was searched under a criminal case of vandalism caused by political reasons. Presumably, the reason for his criminal prosecution was a pacifist graffiti placed in an underground passage, said the post dated May 23, 2023.

This was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 25, 2025 at 08:51 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.