Yelena Grigoryeva

Yelena Grigoryeva, born in 1978, was a passionate human rights defender and LGBTQ rights activist in Russia. Her commitment to social justice was evident through her vocal opposition to the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, as well as her active participation in various protests advocating for democracy and the rights of marginalized communities.

Tragically, Yelena's life was cut short on July twenty-first, two thousand nineteen, when she was brutally murdered in St. Petersburg. Her body was discovered by a passer-by near her home, having been stabbed and strangled by unknown assailants. This heinous act followed the appearance of her identifying information on a website created by a group known as 'Saw,' which incited violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.

In the months leading up to her death, Yelena had publicly protested in support of the Khachaturian sisters and had been an outspoken advocate for the release of Crimean Tatars unjustly accused of terrorism. She also condemned Russia's military actions in Ukraine and campaigned against domestic violence, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to human rights.