Russian politician in exile, Dmitry Gudkov, has been warned by British police that he is in danger. Gudkov, a prominent opposition figure wanted in Russia for “spreading fakes” about the Russian army, was intercepted by plain-clothed officers upon his arrival at London’s Luton Airport last summer.
The police officers were not there to arrest him, but rather to caution him about potential threats to his safety. Gudkov, who co-founded the Anti-War Committee, an organization opposing the war in Ukraine, was informed that he is on a list of people in danger and was asked about his whereabouts and contact information.
This incident is part of a broader trend of Russian authorities targeting critics and dissidents living abroad. With the crackdown on opponents intensifying in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, many activists and journalists have fled the country, seeking refuge in Europe.
Experts believe that the Kremlin’s growing paranoia and desire to suppress dissent have led to an escalation of efforts to silence and intimidate critics abroad. The use of proxies, such as criminal gangs, to carry out attacks on opposition figures has become a common tactic.
The case of Alesya Marokhovskaya, an investigative journalist who received threatening messages revealing personal information, and the attack on activist Leonid Volkov in Lithuania, allegedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence, highlight the dangers faced by critics of the Russian government living outside the country.
For individuals like Olesya Krivtsova, whose Russian passport was cancelled, the pressure from the Russian authorities extends to everyday life, making it difficult to access legal assistance or make payments back home. The threat of arrest and imprisonment looms large for those who dare to speak out against the Kremlin.
As the Russian government continues its campaign to silence dissent both at home and abroad, the safety and security of critics like Dmitry Gudkov remain at risk. The international community must remain vigilant and take action to protect those who are targeted for their opposition to the Russian regime.
