Yelena Pilnik, a 21-year-old feminist activist from Chelyabinsk, died on October 19, according to the Union of Maoists of the Urals, where she worked as a proofreader and writer.
"The investigation is still ongoing, but suicide is suspected. Recently, Lena expressed concerns about her declining mental health and ongoing bullying due to her activism, as well as her association and work with us," representatives of the Union of Maoists of the Urals told 7x7.
According to the 7x7’s interlocutor, Yelena Pilnik had been bullied by other women’s rights activists. When asked if others were involved, the organization replied that she had only mentioned complaints about other feminists.
Yelena Pilnik was a co-founder of the Ural Feminist Initiative. She took part in protests against abortion restrictions and supported independent candidates in elections for the Chelyabinsk City Duma.