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Mikhail Loshchinin, a 48-year-old man with dual Russian and Belgian citizenship, is facing serious legal challenges in Russia. His attempt to visit his father, who recently experienced a heart attack, has led to accusations of treason. Mikhail has lived in Germany for several years, working as a database administrator in Luxembourg. His family is scattered across Europe, with his mother in Poland, his father in St. Petersburg, and his sister holding Ukrainian citizenship. Complicating matters further, Mikhail has many friends in Ukraine, including an ex-girlfriend whose actions have become central to the charges against him. His family describes him as someone who typically avoids political involvement.
The journey to Russia
This summer, Mikhail began a motorcycle journey from Germany to Russia, arriving at the Latvian border on July 1. At the Ubylinka checkpoint, he showed his Russian passport, opting not to use his Belgian passport due to the urgency of his trip, which would have required a visa. His mother, Olga, indicated that this decision was made to expedite his travel. However, upon entering Russia, border guards examined his phone and found numerous contacts in Ukraine. Allegedly, they manipulated circumstances to compel him into Russian territory, leading to his arrest.
Detention and allegations
Mikhail’s situation worsened after his detention. He was reportedly held for nearly a month in a hotel in Pytalovo, a border town near Pskov. Once his family secured a lawyer, he was unexpectedly moved to a pretrial detention center in the Belgorod region the next day. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to another facility in Pskov, facing serious treason allegations. These accusations stem from claims that he financially supported individuals deemed hostile to the Russian state, specifically by sending money to his ex-girlfriend from Ukraine. Her addition of the Ukrainian flag to her social media profile has been cited as evidence against him.
Alleged torture and legal challenges
After moving from the hotel, Mikhail reportedly suffered severe interrogation tactics that resulted in physical injuries, including a retinal detachment. His mother recounted that guards confiscated his glasses, rendering him nearly blind and unable to navigate. She described a harrowing situation where he was forced to undress and beaten, aimed at breaking his spirit and coercing him into signing documents under duress. “He was completely shattered, and this was a systematic effort to strip away any hope of release,” Olga Loshchina stated. The alleged treatment raises significant human rights concerns.
International response
As Mikhail’s circumstances become increasingly precarious, his family’s hope for his release may depend on intervention from the Belgian government. Unfortunately, attempts by Belgian consular officials to visit him have repeatedly failed, as Russia does not recognize his Belgian citizenship. This complicates his legal standing and access to consular support, leaving his family vulnerable. Olga expressed her frustrations to RFE/RL regarding the attempts to secure assistance, emphasizing how Mikhail’s dual citizenship has become a double-edged sword in his struggle for freedom.
The case of Mikhail Loshchinin highlights how complex international relationships can lead to unforeseen and tragic outcomes. As his family navigates this challenging situation, the implications of his case extend beyond personal tragedy, raising critical questions about political relations, human rights, and the treatment of dual citizens entangled in geopolitical conflicts.