Moscow Court Orders Arrest of Garry Kasparov in Terrorism Justification Case

A court in Moscow has ordered the arrest of Garry Kasparov, who is listed by Russian authorities as an extremist and terrorist and has been designated a foreign agent by the Ministry of Justice.

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Court hammer and handcuffs

According to the agency, the court selected a preventive measure in the form of arrest in absentia for a period of two months. The term will begin from the moment of Kasparov's detention on Russian territory or his extradition to Russia.

Investigators have formally charged Kasparov in absentia with public calls for terrorist activity and the public justification of terrorism.

If convicted, the former world chess champion faces a potential prison sentence of up to seven years under Russian criminal law.

Kasparov has been accused of making public statements that, according to investigators, justify or promote terrorist activity.

Russian authorities note that Garry Kasparov has previously been held administratively liable multiple times for violations of legislation governing foreign agents.

Kasparov, who left Russia years ago, has been one of the most prominent critics of the current Russian government and remains outside the country.