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Rave Not Raid: help after a raid

bot • Local Services

About this App

You came to a party and ended the night in a cordon: the exit is shut and people are led one by one to a drug test. Many people freeze, then do not know where to complain. Rave Not Raid was built for exactly this case. 🎧

The bot appeared in September 2020 after raids on Moscow venues. Human rights activists launched it so that affected people could file a complaint about the actions of law enforcement.

Who is behind it

The project is run by the Andrey Rylkov Foundation together with a partner human rights initiative. The bot's description states the goal plainly: to appeal abuses at raves. The foundation works on health and social justice, including drug policy.

Lawyers and activists help affected people draft appeals to the prosecutor's office, the interior ministry and the courts.

What you tell the bot

The idea is simple. You answer questions about your situation, and the project collects data to prepare a complaint. They typically ask about things like these:

Where you were. The name of the event or club, and the date.
What happened. Were you detained, kept from leaving or made to take a test?
What officers did. Did they introduce themselves, explain the grounds and draw up a report?

The more precisely you remember the details, the stronger the appeal. Write everything down at once while memory is fresh. 📝

What to do on the spot and right after

This text does not replace advice from a lawyer, but a few general tips help almost every time:

Stay calm and avoid conflict with officers.
Remember names, ranks, badge numbers and the timing of events.
Do not sign documents you have not read or understood.
Ask for copies of reports and note the refusal if they are not given.
Contact a lawyer or a human rights organization as soon as you can.

Why complain if nothing will come of it

A single complaint often ends with no visible result. But when there are many, they add up to a picture that prosecutors, the press and courts can see. That is why the project asks affected people not to stay silent.

A complaint also documents the violation, which helps if you decide to go further, for example to court.

Privacy comes first

Talking about raids touches sensitive topics: health, the law, personal safety. Share only what the complaint needs. Do not send documents or photos that do not concern you, and do not name other people without their consent.

If you worry about your safety, discuss it with a lawyer before filing. 🔒

What to know about the project

The Andrey Rylkov Foundation is listed in the Russian registry of nonprofits designated as performing the functions of a foreign agent. That is a public fact about the organization, and it is worth weighing when you decide whom to give your data to.

The bot exists for informational and legal support. It does not replace a lawyer and does not guarantee the outcome of a complaint. If your situation is serious, look for professional defense.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this bot for?▼

For people affected by police raids at raves, festivals and clubs: those who were detained, could not leave or were forced to take a test. The bot helps collect data for a complaint.

How much does the help cost?▼

The project's description mentions no paid subscription. Its goals are human rights work, but confirm the terms of help inside the bot before you send any data.

What should I do if I was detained?▼

Stay calm, remember officers' details, do not sign documents you have not read and ask for copies of reports. As soon as you can, contact a lawyer or a human rights organization.

Does the bot guarantee a successful complaint?▼

No. It helps draft the appeal and send it to the right bodies, but the decision belongs to the prosecutor's office, the interior ministry or a court. For complex cases, hire a lawyer.