Urgent Appeal for Mikhail Lochtchinin, known as “Mike” – Call for Action by Belgian, Luxembourgish, German and European Authorities

Mikhail Lochtchinin, known as “Mike”, has been arbitrarily detained in Russia since July 1, 2025, when he went to visit his sick father. Mike is currently standing trial on trumped-up charges of ‘high treason’ stemming solely from a conversation he had with his Ukrainian ex-girlfriend, during which she asked him for personal financial support.

If found guilty, he may face from 12 years and up to a life imprisonment. There are serious concerns that the fair trial standards are not being observed and that the outcome will be deeply unjust. It is especially concerning, given that the percentage of acquittals in Russia is below 0.2%.

Born in the USSR, Mike has built his life in Europe for over 25 years, arriving in Belgium and working there from the year 2000. As a Belgian national for nearly 20 years, he has also lived in Germany and worked in Luxembourg. As a passionate IT professional, he has been actively involved in numerous organizations, both charitable and professional. He has contributed meaningfully to society, helped others, and built an honest and altruistic life.

Today, everything has been taken away from him. He is being held in extremely harsh and inhumane conditions — a living nightmare. His health is deteriorating, and he has lost vision in one eye.

We call on:

• the Belgian government, as well as Their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians,
• the German government,
• the Luxembourgish government,
• and the European institutions,

to take immediate high-level diplomatic action to secure his release as soon as possible.

Recent precedents have shown that determined political intervention can resolve situations like this.

We call for:

• immediate and visible political mobilization,
• concrete and coordinated diplomatic efforts,
• and the use of all available means to bring an end to this unjust situation.

Mike has devoted his life to building, helping, and integrating. He must now be able to regain the life he deserves — the life of a European citizen and a citizen of the world he truly is.

Every day counts.

www.freemike.org