Russia Issues Arrest Warrant For Kasparov On Terrorist Charges

In March, Russia added GM Garry Kasparov to its list of "terrorists and extremists." Last week, they went one step further to "arrest" the chess legend in absentia for "terrorist activities."

A city court in Syktyvkar, the largest city in Russia's northwestern Komi region, is charging Kasparov of "creating a terrorist society, leading it, financing terrorist activities, and publicly justifying them," according to Kremlin-backed outlet TASS.

The court issued an arrest warrant for the 13th world chess champion, by many regarded as the greatest of all time, to be detained for two months alongside Russian opposition politicians Gennady Gudkov, Ivan Tyutrin, and Evgenia Chirikova. All were charged in their absence and not physically held in custody.

Kasparov responded to the arrest warrant with amusement, calling in absentia "the best way I've ever been arrested," likely referring to his arrest outside a Moscow court in 2012, where he was reportedly subjected to police brutality.

In absentia is definitely the best way I've ever been arrested! Good company, as well. I'm sure we're all equally honored that Putin's terror state is spending time on this that would otherwise go persecuting and murdering. https://t.co/uYlSwI9ss7

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) April 24, 2024

On Monday, Kasparov made an open inquiry to Interpol expressing concerns about whether he would risk being detained when traveling.

A letter to @INTERPOL_HQ is coming, but this is urgent. Are Russians tried in absentia subject to arrest by Interpol? @Europarl_EN voted to not recognize Putin's presidency as legitimate & it's unacceptable collaborate with his regime. Please advise. https://t.co/PhkezrvUiU

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) April 29, 2024

Kasparov and Tyutrin co-founded the Free Russia Forum, a conference for the Russian opposition held in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2016. The organization has been deemed "undesirable" by the regime.

The new charges come less than two months after the 61-year-old was added to its list of "terrorists and extremists." Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed they found "signs of a crime" in an investigation against his organization. Back then, Kasparov responded by calling it "an honor that says more about Russia's fascist regime than me."

Kasparov was the world chess champion from 1985-2000 but has, in recent years, been more known as a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin and his regime. He left his native country in 2013, fearing persecution for protests, and now holds a Croatian passport. 

He remains deeply involved in chess through his non-profit educational organization, the Kasparov Chess Foundation, and as an advisor and commentator during the Grand Chess Tour. He has also occasionally appeared as a player and commentator during Chess960 and blitz tournaments in St. Louis.