MOSCOW: Russia’s Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the release of an opposition activist who was the only person in the country jailed under a tough law against public protests.

Ildar Dadin, 34, was sent to prison in 2015 for repeated unsanctioned protests against President Vladimir Putin’s rule after the introduction of controversial legislation critics say was aimed at stamping out demonstrations.

The Supreme Court responded to a request by prosecutors to free Dadin and ruled that his sentence should be quashed and his case closed.

The court ruled that he has the right to “rehabilitation,” meaning compensation from the state.

Dadin — who was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International — has complained of torture and abuse behind bars, and his case became a cause celebre for those opposed to Putin.

He was originally sentenced to three years in jail, but that sentence was reduced and he had some six months left to run, meaning Wednesday’s ruling is largely symbolic.

During his time behind bars Dadin accused guards of beating and abusing him and was repeatedly shifted between far-flung facilities.

Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2017