Russia issues arrest warrant for chess legend Gary Kasparov

2025-12-23 15:18:52Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Russia issues arrest warrant for chess legend Gary Kasparov
Garry Kasparov

Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky District Court has ordered the arrest in absentia of former world chess champion Garry Kasparov. According to a recent report, Kasparov has been deemed a "foreign agent" by the Russian Ministry of Justice.

The decision was based on Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code, which covers public calls for terrorism and propaganda. Investigators filed a request for Kasparov's arrest on December 22, and court records show the motion was approved the same day. The decision is scheduled to enter into legal force on December 26, and the maximum sentence under this article is up to seven years in prison.

"The court ordered the arrest in absentia of Kasparov for two months from the date of his detention in Russia or his extradition to Russia," the court reported.

Kasparov is a renowned chess player who is an eight-time winner of the World Chess Olympiad. He announced his retirement from professional chess in 2005.


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