A Russian Court on Thursday imposed one year of restrictions on ophthalmologist Dr Anastasia Vasileya. The sanctions restrict her movements and require monthly mandatory checks with the Russian state supervisor. She is also disallowed from leaving Moscow or attending mass events such as protests or concerts.

She was first introduced into the limelight after treating Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny after he was assaulted by pro-Kremlin extremists. Following that incident, she became a vocal supporter of Navalny and defended his innocence after he was charged with embezzlement in 2017. Dr Vasileya is the head of the Alliance of Doctors trade union, a union that focuses on medical workers rights activism. Because the organization advocated for the release of Alexei Navalny, it was included in the Russian foreign agent list. This list has been criticised by human rights groups due to the scrutiny and regulations listed organizations face, which has been causing a chilling effect on NGOs.

Thursday’s verdict was decided on the grounds that the pro-Navalny demonstrations promoted by Dr. Vasilyeva led to people violating COVID-19 restrictions. Dr. Vasileya tweeted that she will be appealing the decision.

Similar allies to Alexei Navalny has been prosecuted on similar charges. They include Nalvany’s secretary and assistant Kira Yarmysh, and member of the Russian Opposition Coordination Council Lyubov Sobol. After these charges were imposed by the courts, the alliance disbanded as many of the participants have fled into exile.