On June 20, the Investigative Committee decided not to initiate a criminal case regarding the death of Alexander Demidenko, a volunteer from Belgorod, in pre-trial detention. This information was shared by the media outlet 'Fonar' on July 2, citing the organization's press office.
The investigation demonstrated that neither the employees nor the inmates of the pre-trial detention center were involved in the activist’s death. The Investigative Committee asserted that no crimes were committed against him.
Alexander Demidenko died in a pre-trial detention center on April 5. According to the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), he slit his veins. However, as per the late activist’s son, Oleg Demidenko, FSIN's documents indicated that the cause of death was not established, and there was no mark in the 'suicide' column in the coroner’s report.
Demidenko was informed about a second criminal case for state treason initiated against him and plans to transfer him to Saint Petersburg one day before his death. Upon learning about the upcoming transfer, the activist asked his family to send him clothes, which is another reason his son doubts the suicide theory.
Alexander Demidenko was arrested at a checkpoint between Russia and Ukraine in the autumn of 2023. He helped Ukrainian refugees cross the border. Law enforcement officers found a hand grenade and two detonators at his house. Subsequently, the volunteer was accused of illegal arms trafficking. Bruises were visible on his body after the searches.