TASS news agency reported on Sunday that Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion who left Russia ten years ago out of fear of persecution, may face a criminal case in Moscow for violating Kremlin’s “foreign agent” law.
According to the unnamed Russian law enforcement officials cited by the state news agency, every reason exists to charge Kasparov. The said officers added that if it does occur he might be jailed for two years or charged a fine.
After Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kasparov was included by Russia in the list of individuals performing functions as foreign agents; other critics of Vladimir Putin are also included.
His media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The laws define “a foreign agent” as someone who receives support from overseas governments or is influenced by them while participating in political activities within Russia.
The EU and US heavily criticized this legislation known as the “Foreign Agents Law”, which requires anyone who has foreign backing or influence to register with the Ministry of Justice as well as declare themselves as such.
Moreover, registered individuals are subjected to huge disclosures and bureaucracy.