Russian Dissident Garry Kasparov Warned by US of Danger to His Life

Garry Kasparov, an exiled Russian opposition figure residing in the US, has revealed that American and Lithuanian security services warned him that his life was in danger. Kasparov stated that he and fellow dissident Ivan Tyutrin were advised to take precautions.

These comments follow the unsealing of a US Justice Department indictment earlier this month, which charged five individuals, allegedly working for the Kremlin, with plotting attacks and murders against Russian dissidents and defectors in various countries, including the US. Kasparov emphasized, "My family and I will not truly be safe as long as [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is in power."

Highlights

• Garry Kasparov announced he was warned by US and Lithuanian security services about threats to his life.
• The warning came after the US Justice Department unsealed an indictment charging five individuals allegedly linked to the Kremlin with plotting attacks.
• Kasparov stated that he and Free Russia Forum co-founder Ivan Tyutrin were not explicitly named as targets but were advised about their safety.
• Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported that Kasparov was warned by US authorities over the summer and has since been under enhanced protection.
• Kasparov affirmed, "I will not stop and I will not hide," vowing to continue his activism.

Details

According to the US Justice Department indictment, a network of individuals working for Russian intelligence services has been operating since at least 2024, conspiring and conducting attacks and murders on Russian dissidents and defectors globally. Five alleged members of this network are accused of operating "as part of a global assassination network that reached into the United States, attempting to recruit US citizens and foreigners to carry out killings at the behest of the Kremlin."

The five individuals charged with organizing these plots are Yuri Khrameev, Kirill Khrameev, Oemis Romagoza Durruthy, Yaidel Delgado Suarez, and Angel Eduardo Castro. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated he would not comment on the charges until he saw "any credible evidence" or "tangible facts." Kasparov retired from competitive chess in 2005 to pursue a political career, founding movements openly opposing Putin before fleeing Russia in 2013. Russia designated him a 'foreign agent' after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and later added him to a list of 'terrorists and extremists' in 2024.

Why it matters

This incident once again highlights the alleged seriousness and scope of Russia's activities against opposition figures abroad. The warning to Kasparov, a former world champion and prominent dissident, underscores the potential dangers faced by Russian opposition members outside Russia and raises international security concerns. The US's efforts to uncover such plots are crucial for upholding international law and ensuring the safety of dissidents.