Garry Kasparov: Chess Grandmaster May Face Charges Under Russia’s Foreign Agent Law

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov, who left Russia a decade ago due to fears of persecution, may face criminal charges in Moscow for violating the Kremlin’s “foreign agent” law, according to a report by the TASS news agency on Sunday.

Russian law enforcement officials, as reported by the state news agency, stated there is “every reason” to charge Kasparov, although they did not provide further details.

If a case is initiated, Kasparov, a prominent critic of the Kremlin, could face up to two years in prison or a fine, according to unnamed officials.

Kasparov was added to Russia’s list of individuals designated as foreign agents, which includes numerous critics of President Vladimir Putin, shortly after Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Kasparov’s media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The “foreign agent” law defines a foreign agent as a person who receives support from foreign states or is under foreign influence and engages in political activities in Russia.

This law has faced broad condemnation from the European Union and Washington.

Those identified as foreign agents are required to register with the justice ministry and declare themselves as foreign agents. The law also imposes significant bureaucratic requirements and disclosures on those registered.

Main Image: David.Monniaux via Wikipedia.

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