On the photo - Konstantin before March 2025 and after 9 months of prison
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has launched a review after a seriously ill Russian citizen has been held in prison for more than nine months without evidence of guilt.
The case of Konstantin Rudnev, already known throughout Argentina, is escalating into a full-scale international scandal. What initially appeared to be a complex but purely domestic judicial process has now drawn the attention of major global human rights institutions. The legality and propriety of the actions of the Argentine prosecution—specifically those of federal prosecutor Fernando Oscar Arrigo and his team—are now under the spotlight of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), relevant UN bodies, and other influential international organizations. They are initiating their own review, focusing on key issues such as unlawful and indefinite pretrial detention, disregard for medical indications, and fabrication of evidence. Argentine justice will now have to answer not only to its own citizens, but to the entire world.
In March 2025, Konstantin Rudnev was detained in Bariloche. He is a Russian citizen, accused in Argentina of crimes related to trata de personas (human trafficking). He is 58 years old and suffers from pulmonary fibrosis—a diagnosis that his family and doctors describe as critical given the conditions of his detention. According to the case materials and the defense’s position, key elements of the prosecution’s narrative are not supported by documents or expert examinations.
Pretrial detention has been extended until April 3, 2026. The defense sought a mitigation of the preventive measure, including on medical grounds, but Konstantin was left in a maximum-security prison despite a direct threat to his life.
One of the central issues is the alleged victims. The case materials mention Elena Makarova, who has been described as a “victim.” However, Makarova herself states on her blog that she is not a victim, does not know Rudnev, and does not confirm the prosecution’s version that attempts to present her as an injured party. She also reports pressure from the prosecution and says she has filed complaints against prosecutors. In addition, she claims that due to the actions of the prosecution she spent approximately three months in de facto confinement, and that her newborn child was harmed.
The defense considers this indicative: even when the supposed victim publicly rejects this role, the preventive measure is still not reconsidered.
Another controversial aspect concerns the seized substances. Expert analysis did not confirm the presence of narcotics; the substances were medications sold over the counter in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. Despite this, the “drug” narrative remains in the case and is used as an argument to maintain the harsh preventive measure.
The defense insists that if sufficient evidence exists, the case should be sent to trial rather than keeping a person in custody for months on end.
This video shares more facts about Konstantin Rudnev straight from his wife: https://youtu.be/T18nQuIuODI?si=MTK5g-x7D8WvCDwK
According to procedural documents, the prosecution side includes federal prosecutor Fernando Oscar Arrigo, his assistant Tomás Laballe, as well as Gustavo Javier Revora and Rodrigo Nicolás Treviranus.
The defense is represented by attorney Carlos Broitman and his team. They are challenging the extension of pretrial detention and the denials of motions related to medical examinations and treatment.
Konstantin Rudnev is nearly 60 years old and has been suffering for more than 10 years from a severe, life-threatening disease—pulmonary fibrosis.
From a medical standpoint, the key issue is clear: with pulmonary fibrosis, any delay becomes a risk factor. Publications regarding his health condition reference highly qualified Argentine physicians—Luis Ernesto Sarotto and Mariano Duarte—and emphasize the need for examinations and treatment in specialized conditions, as well as the risks associated with maintaining the current conditions of detention.
“My husband has lost more than 50 kilograms in nine months. He is being killed in prison,”
— the wife of Konstantin Rudnev
Rudnev’s wife states that she is pregnant and is asking that her husband be transferred to house arrest under supervision.
Her argument is entirely practical: why, in the absence of a verdict and in the presence of a severe diagnosis, cannot a person await trial at home instead of remaining in prison conditions?
Against the backdrop of disputes over evidence and medical care, the same demand is repeatedly voiced: either the materials are brought to court and substantive evidence is presented, or the preventive measure is changed at least on medical grounds—so that waiting does not turn into a year behind bars, and prison does not become a de facto sentence.
His health continues to deteriorate as the injustice persists.
But you can help change the situation for the better.
Your support can help Konstantin regain his freedom and return to his family.
If we all raise our voices, Konstantin can receive help and return to his life.
If you have contacts in Argentina or any way to influence this situation, please help us.
Any expert opinion, public statement, or legal consultation could become the push that forces the system to move from a dead standstill.
Argentina, your country prides itself on its democratic traditions and respect for human rights. Today, it is not only Konstantin Rudnev who is on trial, but the reputation of Argentina itself. You are facing a historic choice.
