Boris Vishnevsky. “I Will Return”

Due to his designation as a “foreign agent, ” the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly in Russia has revoked the mandate of Boris Vishnevsky, a prominent member of the “Yabloko” party. Vishnevsky, one of St. Petersburg’s best-known opposition figures, was forced to give up his seat.

I Captured Boris Vishnevsky’s Final Working Day in the Legislative Assembly, on the Day He Resigned His Deputy Mandate, Delivered His Farewell Speech, and Left the Place with His Belongings but Plans to Continue Human Rights Work in Russia.

Boris Vishnevsky had served as a legislative assembly member in St. Petersburg since 2011, with his political career dating back to the late 1980s. He is a regular participant in both civic and anti-war protests. After being labeled a “foreign agent” and following the passage of legislation barring such individuals from running in elections, Vishnevsky decided to resign from the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly.

In his farewell speech to the assembly, he concluded with: “The rule of human rights, freedom, democracy, parliamentarianism, fair elections, and freedom of speech and assembly will definitely return. This is the natural course of history. It may be slowed, but it cannot be stopped. And I will return.”

Remaining in Russia, the politician openly condemns the Kremlin for the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale war in Ukraine. He was declared a “foreign agent” in March 2024 due to interviews he gave to journalists who had already been assigned this status.

Boris Vishnevsky in his office on his last day at the Legislative Assembly.

Boris Vishnevsky puts on his jacket before heading down from his office to the main hall.

Boris Vishnevsky takes a coffee break in the cafeteria.

Boris Vishnevsky ascends the grand staircase in the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly building.

Boris Vishnevsky addresses journalists, answering their questions.

Boris Vishnevsky questions the governor of St. Petersburg, criticizing his city budget proposal.

Boris Vishnevsky speaks with a “United Russia” party deputy during a break.

The broadcast of President Putin's speech to the deputies at the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly.

Boris Vishnevsky steps down from the podium after delivering his speech to the Legislative Assembly deputies.

Colleagues embrace Boris Vishnevsky after he announced his resignation.

Boris Vishnevsky’s colleagues escort him to his office after he announced his departure and delivered his farewell speech.

Boris Vishnevsky removes his nameplate from the door to take it as a memento. The plate indicates that he is registered as a “foreign agent.”

Boris Vishnevsky sits before leaving his office, having gathered his personal belongings.

Boris Vishnevsky closes the door of his office for the last time.

Boris Vishnevsky exits the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly building, stating in his farewell speech that he will “return” when democracy prevails in Russia.