Israeli-Russian Zoologist Jailed in Moscow for Navalny Fund Donations
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Sofia Rosenfeld, an Israeli-Russian zoologist, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison in Moscow for donating approximately 80 shekels to Alexei Navalny's foundation. She claims the payments were automatic and made while she was on an Arctic research trip without reception. Her father is appealing for help, and the Israeli consulate has agreed to visit her in jail. Rosenfeld denies any extremist intent, stating her motivation was solely to fight corruption.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sofia Rosenfeld, an Israeli-Russian zoologist, received a 3.5-year prison sentence in Moscow for donations to Alexei Navalny's foundation.
- The donations, totaling less than 80 shekels, were allegedly automatic while Rosenfeld was on an Arctic research expedition.
- Rosenfeld denies extremist intent, stating her motivation was solely to combat corruption.
- Her father, Boris, is seeking assistance and has been informed the Israeli consulate will visit her in prison.
- An appeal is planned, though her father expresses skepticism about its chances of success.
Sofia Rosenfeld, a 50-year-old zoologist and dual Israeli-Russian citizen, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in Moscow for two donations totaling less than 80 shekels to the fund of the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Rosenfeld claims the payments were automatically debited while she was on a research expedition in the Arctic without reception. Her father, Boris, is now actively seeking to help her, reporting that the Israeli consulate in Moscow initially stated they could not assist but later agreed to arrange a consular visit to her in prison.
Rosenfeld was convicted of funding an "extremist" organization. According to independent Russian media, the conviction stems from two transfers of 1,000 rubles each made in 2021 to Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. She was arrested in court immediately after the verdict. Boris stated that police only approached his daughter with an indictment in late 2025, about four years after the donations, and she was subsequently barred from leaving Moscow.
Rosenfeld admitted to the donations but denied any extremist intent, stating her sole motivation was to combat corruption. She explained that the payments were debited while she was on an extended research trip and that she canceled the recurring donation as soon as she became aware of it. Her lawyers submitted a letter to the court requesting the cessation of payments. The prosecution sought a five-year sentence, while her defense argued she posed no danger and was, in fact, beneficial.
Boris emphasized his daughter's ongoing connection to Israel, noting her family's immigration in the early 1990s. Although she returned to Russia at age 15, she maintained ties, visiting annually and representing Israel in equestrian competitions as a youth. She also volunteered with Israeli birdwatchers and produced a film about Israeli nature.
Rosenfeld holds a doctorate in biology and is a senior researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences, specializing in Arctic geese. Her defense team argued that the charges were fundamentally flawed and that her actions posed no real threat to the public.
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